Aquacare/Fitness Forum Physical Therapy

Three-Sport Athlete Luis Hicks Returns to the Field After Meniscus Tear

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In the world of high school sports, injuries can be a game-changer. For Luis Hicks, a promising three-sport athlete at Indian River High School, a meniscus tear during wrestling season threatened to sideline his athletic career. However, thanks to a dedicated physical therapy program at Aquacare, Hicks is back on the football field, stronger than ever.

Hicks, a member of the class of 2026, isn’t your average high school athlete. Excelling in football, wrestling, and track – where he’s known for his impressive jumping events – Hicks faced a significant setback when he tore his meniscus during a wrestling match earlier this year.

“When I got injured, I was worried about how it would affect all my sports, especially football,” Hicks shared. “But my doctor recommended physical therapy, and that’s when things started looking up.”

Enter Connor Drislane and Bryan Ford, physical therapists with Aquacare Athletics at Aquacare’s Millville location. Ford and the team developed a comprehensive rehabilitation plan tailored specifically to Hicks’ needs as a multi-sport athlete, with a particular focus on football.

“With football players, we have to consider the unique demands of the sport,” Ford explained. “It’s not just about healing the injury; it’s about preparing the athlete for the high-impact, multi-directional movements they’ll face on the field.”

The physical therapy regimen began with strengthening exercises targeting not just the knee, but also the hip and surrounding muscles. This approach is crucial for athletes alike, especially football players, who need a strong lower body to withstand tackles, make quick cuts, and maintain stability during plays.

As Hicks progressed, the focus shifted to mobility and flexibility exercises. “For a football player, especially one who also excels in track and wrestling, we need to ensure a full range of motion without compromising strength,” Ford noted. “This balance is key to preventing future injuries and enhancing on-field performance.”

The therapy sessions at Aquacare Athletics weren’t limited to traditional exercises. Ford and the Millville team incorporated football-specific drills into Hicks’ rehab, simulating the movements he would need to perform during games. This sport-specific approach helped Hicks regain confidence in his recovered knee.

“They had me doing lateral movements, quick starts and stops, and even some agility drills that mimicked avoiding tackles,” Hicks recalled. “It made the transition back to football practice much smoother.”

Now back on the gridiron, Hicks credits his successful recovery to the personalized care he received. “The team at Aquacare didn’t just treat my knee; they prepared my whole body for the demands of football. I feel stronger and more agile than ever.”

Hicks’ story is a testament to the importance of specialized physical therapy for young athletes. Aquacare Athletics, proud to work with athletes of all ages, emphasizes the need for sport-specific rehabilitation programs.

“Every athlete, every sport, and every injury is unique,” Ford concluded. “Our goal is always to not just heal the injury, but to enhance the athlete’s overall performance and reduce the risk of future injuries.”

As the football season progresses, Luis Hicks stands as an inspiration to young athletes facing similar challenges. His journey from injury to recovery showcases the vital role of targeted physical therapy in helping high school athletes safely return to the sports they love.

Aquacare – Millville is located at 38069 Town Center Dr., Unit 15, Millville. Schedule a free consultation at Aquacare – Millville by calling 302-539-3110. To learn more about Aquacare Athletics, email Connor Drislane at [email protected]. 

Aquacare also provides in-home physical therapy services. Skip the clinic and schedule your physical therapy in your home, workplace, fitness center, or community pool. Learn more about Aquacare PT PLUS: www.aquacarephysicaltherapy.com/pt-plus.