Case Study: Joe Price – From ACL Injury to Rugby Return and New Career Goals

Client Profile:

• Name: Joe Price

• Injury: ACL rupture and meniscus tear

• Sport: Rugby (Market Harborough RFC)

• Date of Injury: June 2023

Background:

Joe Price suffered a significant knee injury while playing rugby, requiring ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair in June 2023. Determined to return to rugby and prepare for a career in the police force, Joe worked with us on a comprehensive rehab program.

Joe’s rehabilitation followed a hybrid approach: online programming via the TrueCoach app, strength sessions at Jim Club in Market Harborough. For his pitch-based work, Joe completed his running mechanics and return-to-sport drills at Market Harborough Rugby Club, adding a sport-specific element to his recovery.

The Rehab Journey: Our 4-Step Approach

1. Protection Phase:
Goals: Reduce swelling, restore full range of motion (ROM), and achieve a stable knee.
In this phase, we focused on calming the knee post-surgery, restoring ROM, and building a foundation for the later stages of rehab. Joe committed to a routine of mobility exercises and low-impact activation work, ensuring a smooth transition into more demanding training.

2. Load Introduction Phase:
Goals: Build muscular endurance and capacity while reintroducing controlled load.
As his ROM and confidence improved, Joe began reintroducing load through structured strength exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges. Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) training was a critical part of this phase, enabling Joe to rebuild muscle mass and strength effectively while minimizing joint strain. His program was adapted to fit both gym-based and at-home sessions, allowing consistent progress.

3. Strength Accumulation Phase:
Goals: Develop maximum strength, refine running mechanics, and integrate plyometric drills.
During this phase, Joe focused on building significant lower-body strength, achieving a personal best squat of 180kg. This milestone demonstrated not only his physical progress but also his growing confidence in his knee.

Joe’s running mechanics work began at Market Harborough Rugby Club, where we introduced progressive pitch-based drills. This included linear running, agility exercises, and change-of-direction drills, designed to simulate real-game movements and build confidence in a rugby-specific environment.

4. Training Integration Phase:
Goals: Return to rugby fitness and overall athletic performance.
In the final phase, Joe’s training emphasized rugby-specific fitness and game readiness. High-intensity interval training, sprint work, and sport-specific agility drills helped him seamlessly transition back to competitive play. Completing this work at his old rugby club provided both familiarity and motivation.

Joe successfully returned to rugby, now playing for a team in Reading, while also achieving his goal of joining the police force, showcasing his physical and mental resilience.

Outcome:

Joe’s journey illustrates the power of a personalized, sport-specific rehab approach. From a challenging injury to hitting a 180kg squat PB, completing his pitch-based running rehab at Market Harborough Rugby Club, and returning to rugby, Joe has demonstrated extraordinary commitment. His successful entry into the police force highlights his ability to overcome challenges and thrive both on and off the field.

Why Choose Us?

At the Rehab Coach, we tailor our rehab programs to your unique goals, using a blend of cutting-edge tools like TrueCoach, in-person guidance, Vald testing equipment and sport-specific drills. Whether you’re aiming to return to sport or pursue new challenges, we’ll help you come back stronger than ever.

Ready to start your journey?
Contact us today to achieve your recovery and performance goals!