Journey with an ACL injury: Bella Burcar's Story

Name: MOVE Human Performance Center & Physical Therapy
Price range: $

After a dominating freshman season for Bella Burcar, in which she led Flagstaff High to their first women’s basketball state championship in over 30 years, Bella was named to the Arizona 4A All Conference Team for her efforts. Her father Shane Burcar, who is the Men’s Basketball coach for NAU said “It was a tough decision for so many reasons” but Bella decided to transfer to Perry High in Chandler, Arizona. Entering her sophomore season and ready to capitalize on a new opportunity for a new program, she was amped up to play in last years 2024 Section 7 tournament with her new teammates.

The date was June 14th, 2024, her first game was against Archbishop Mitty from San Jose, California. The game was going well, she was gelling with her new squad when her knee buckled on a drive, and she went down. The news was a torn ACL and out for the season. Not what a young girl wants to hear as she is in pursuit of greatness and chasing more championships with her new team. Having basketball in her pedigree and her father as a head coach, it was time to develop a plan. Team MOVE was contacted by her local shooting Coach Paul Suber who mentioned he had a tough one in need of help. MOVE became part of the plan and after she had surgery on the 8thof July 2024, it was go time.

From day one of treatment, Bella expressed the desire and work ethic to make this grueling recovery possible. Doctors used her patella tendon to graft her ACL which is proven to provide excellent outcomes for female basketball players. Therapy was scheduled three times a week focusing on eliminating the swelling, achieving full extension and getting her quad muscles to start firing again. Pain is a limiting factor, but this tough one was all in. Brandon Blair, our Director of Physical Therapy, developed a detailed plan of care outlining specific goals she needed to reach weekly to keep her focused and on schedule for her return. Her knee was moved through its range, gaining motion every session while her muscles were reeducated. Everything was coming along perfectly, it’s just a long recovery to allow the new graft to heal.

When ready, we started to introduce strengthening exercises and functional activities to keep her mind and body moving. Physically, ACL patients will be ok with the help of great doctors, but mentally, it’s always a challenge to watch the sport you love from the sideline. Bella missed all her sophomore season at Perry as her team chased a state championship, ultimately falling short. The focus was kept on the positive outcomes not the negatives. Just like in sport, there will be good days and there will be bad days with this recovery. Using our high-performance testing tools such as force plates and digital dynamometers, we were able to track her progress with real time feedback. Elite tools help provide elite results; there is no more guessing.

Bella learned to walk, skip and run again all while competing with herself mentally. Pushing through pain and focused on task at hand, her strength came back nicely. Doctors’ appointments and checkups went well and after 7 months she was released to basketball activities but no playing. She had to work on each step; each move individually on the court to ensure safety and get her groove back. Brandon stated that “Pain forged her while purpose fueled her.” After 10 months Bella was cleared to return to sport and finally join her team she has been cheering for over the last year. Now they are cheering for her.

Here we are, a complete year after injury and the Section 7 tournament is here again, she is anxious to show off her hard work. She has had tune up AAU games playing with Hoop Code in preparation for this return to the hardwood floor. Bella states, “I’m ready to go honestly, so many opportunities to not waste while showing off my dedication to this comeback.” She has even mentioned that she feels the best she has ever felt, even before her injury. “I MOVE better and am quicker, shiftier with better endurance.” Team MOVE is excited to watch her contribute to the Pumas this season as they chase greatness. Mentally and physically this player is ready. Every step on her recovery is earned, while every play will be a statement.

MOVE WITH A PURPOSE AND PLAY WITH PASSION, MIND OVER VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING!

Understanding ACL Injuries

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common occurrence in athletes, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, jumping, or changes in direction. These injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears, with the latter often requiring surgical intervention followed by extensive rehabilitation.

Statistics reveal that female athletes are at a higher risk for ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts, particularly in sports like basketball and soccer. The recovery process is crucial, as it not only involves physical rehabilitation but also mental resilience to return to peak performance levels.

The Rehabilitation Process at MOVE Performance

At MOVE Performance, the rehabilitation process is tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring a comprehensive approach to recovery. The journey begins with a detailed assessment by our physical therapy team, who create a personalized plan of care that outlines specific goals and timelines for recovery.

Utilizing advanced technology such as force plates and digital dynamometers, we monitor progress closely, providing real-time feedback to keep athletes motivated and on track. This structured approach not only aids in physical recovery but also helps build the mental strength needed to overcome the challenges of returning to sport.

Success Stories of Athletes

Many athletes have successfully navigated their ACL recovery journeys at MOVE Performance, showcasing the effectiveness of our rehabilitation programs. These success stories highlight the resilience and determination of athletes like Bella Burcar, who have faced significant challenges but emerged stronger and more capable than ever.

Through dedicated training and support, these athletes not only return to their sport but often exceed their previous performance levels. Their experiences serve as inspiration for others facing similar injuries, demonstrating that recovery is possible with the right guidance and support.

Tips for Mental Resilience During Recovery

The mental aspect of recovering from an ACL injury is just as important as the physical rehabilitation. Athletes often face anxiety and frustration while sidelined, making it essential to develop strategies that promote mental resilience during this challenging time.

Engaging in visualization techniques, setting small achievable goals, and maintaining open communication with coaches and therapists can significantly enhance an athlete's mental state during recovery. Building a support network of family, friends, and fellow athletes also plays a crucial role in fostering a positive mindset throughout the rehabilitation process.