Virginia Rush Soccer player and high school freshman Claire Browning first came to CHKD Sports Medicine with an ACL injury. After an MRI confirmed a complete ACL rupture, she met orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Roache to discuss surgery. She was also referred to physical therapy, where Nicole Lloyd helped her prepare for surgery and support the best possible recovery.
After a successful ACL reconstruction, Claire returned to physical therapy. When anxiety started to affect her daily life, she was referred to CHKD mental health counselor, Dr. Kevin Lou, who was able to help address her mental health concerns. She also trained with Julius Delbridge at CHKD’s Sports Performance Academy to prepare for the full-body demands of track and soccer.
Claire successfully participated in indoor track while completing her rehab and preparing for soccer, setting a school record on the 4x400 relay team and qualifying for states in the 500m. In January, she met her recovery goals and was cleared to return to soccer with Cape Henry Collegiate and Virginia Rush Soccer Club.
"We were impressed from day one with all the professionals at CHKD. Claire was taken care of every step of the process," shared Claire's mom, Kara Browning. "From diagnosis to surgery, to physical therapy, to her mental health, and preparing for life back on the pitch – there was someone there for her to lean on in each phase of her yearlong recovery. CHKD is a special place where our daughter felt heard and seen through the good days and the difficult days. We are incredibly grateful for all the people who walked us through this long and difficult journey!"
