As the school year kicks off, student-athletes across Fremont County are lacing up their cleats and preparing for action. For 17-year-old Riverton student Savannah Riley-Warren, this year’s return to school feels a bit different; this spring she suffered a severe knee injury. But thanks to her determination, and the expert care she received at Teton Therapy, she’s now gearing up for her senior year with newfound strength and optimism.
During a game last April, “I went to kick the ball and heard a ‘pop.’ I knew something was wrong right away,” Savannah recalls. The injury left her unable to walk on her own, drastically changing her day-to-day life. Surgery became the best option, and after her meniscus was repaired in July, Savannah started her journey toward recovery with the help of Andrew Bosselman, PT, DPT, at Teton Therapy’s Riverton clinic.
Bosselman explains that student-athletes like Savannah are at higher risk of injury when returning to sports after a summer off. “Athletes returning to practice and competition following a summer away are at the greatest risk of injury related to training errors. Muscle, tendon and bone are all at risk of injury if exposed to too much too fast.”
“Think of a sunburn that happens if you’re out in the sun for too long before your skin has accustomed to it,” Bosselman continues. “A little bit of sun each day gives you a nice tan, but too much all at once causes a burn. Our joints are the same way, if we go from not training much over the summer to full practice and lifting, we run the risk of injuring those structures.”
For Savannah, physical therapy has been crucial to not only her physical recovery but also her mental health. “At one point, I thought I’d never see results. However, Andrew and the team helped me see the improvements I was hoping for. It was the best feeling,” she says.
As her recovery progresses, Savannah is close to shedding the brace she’s worn for so long and is looking forward to running, jumping, and biking again soon. Though she’s unsure if she’ll return to soccer this season, she remains focused on staying strong and supporting her teammates.
Inspired by her experience, Savannah is now considering a future in physical therapy. “I want to go to college to be a PT. I love the environment [at Teton Therapy],” she shares.
Bosselman emphasizes that Physical Therapy isn’t just about injury recovery—it’s also about improving athletic performance. “We help athletes by evaluating the deficits in your body that may be limiting you whether it’s mobility, strength, coordination, or endurance. Identifying these deficits and building a program to address them will improve athletic performance and decrease the risk of future injury.”
Savannah’s journey shows how the right care and mindset can turn an injury into an opportunity for growth—both physically and mentally.
Is your student-athlete ready for school sports this year? A free consultation with Teton Therapy’s expert Physical and Occupational Therapists can set them up for a winning, injury-free season. Schedule today and see #TetonTherapyRESULTS. 307-857-7074 in Riverton, 307-332-2230 in Lander, or online at TetonTherapypc.com.
