Ava’s Journey Back to the Court

Posted on:

October 15, 2024

An ACL tear is a common yet devastating injury for athletes. For Ava Welk, a senior at Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School in Walker, Minnesota, it happened during a Junior Olympics volleyball tournament on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024. 

While blocking, Ava landed on her teammate’s foot, causing her knee to pop. Initially, Ava believed she was okay, but the pain intensified when she tried to walk.  After consulting for care in the Twin Cities, Ava and her mother sought a second opinion at CHI St. Joseph’s Health Orthopedics in Park Rapids, where they were impressed by the personalized care and expertise of Tim Meier, PA-C, and Vern Prochaska, MD.

Dr. Prochaska performed Ava’s surgery on May 29th using a portion of her patellar tendon to reconstruct her ACL. The surgery was successful, and Ava was able to return home just a few hours later. Dr. Prochaska’s thorough explanations and use of visual aids helped Ava understand the procedure and her recovery process.

Ava’s physical therapy journey began at the CHI St. Joseph’s Health physical therapy office in Walker with Physical Therapist Aron Goraczkowski. She started with twice-weekly sessions, gradually decreasing to every other week as her progress continued. Her therapist, Aron, has been instrumental in her recovery, providing encouragement and pushing her to reach her full potential.  

While Ava’s volleyball season was cut short, she is determined to return to the court as a senior this year.  She recently started running and has begun sprinting and jumping, demonstrating her dedication to regaining her athletic abilities. Her goal is to play basketball this season, a testament to her resilience and positive outlook.

“The rehabilitation process after ACL surgery typically takes 9-12 months for full recovery,” explained Tim Meier, PA-C. “ACL injuries are very common among athletes, especially those involved in sports that require pivoting, jumping, and cutting movements. These injuries are often non-contact, occurring due to awkward landings or sudden changes in direction. While not all ACL tears are preventable, focused strengthening, plyometric, and balance exercises with proper form and technique have been proven to significantly reduce the risk. We’re seeing a growing emphasis on incorporating these injury prevention exercises into strength and conditioning programs in schools, both locally and nationwide.”

Ava’s story highlights the importance of seeking expert care and the power of a supportive team in navigating the challenges of a serious injury. Her journey serves as an inspiration to other athletes facing similar setbacks, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, recovery is possible. We wish Ava all the best in her continued recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the court soon. We are proud to have been part of Ava’s team, working together to achieve her recovery goals.

If you have orthopedic needs, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us at 218.616.3700 or visit our website at chisjh.org/services/orthopedics-sports-medicine/ to learn more.

About CHI St. Joseph’s Health

CHI St. Joseph’s Health is a 25-bed critical access hospital serving communities in Hubbard, Becker, Cass and Wadena Counties since 1946. In recent years, CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s award-winning teams received several national honors including: The Joint Commission Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in surgery; Top 100 Critical Access Hospital, HealthStrong; WomenCertified’s America’s Best Hospitals Women’s Choice Award in obstetrics; and the Studer Group Fire Starter Healthcare Organization of the Month among other national, regional and state recognitions.

About CHI

Catholic Health Initiatives, one of the nation’s largest health systems, was formed in 1996 to strengthen the Catholic health ministry for the future. With deep roots in the tradition of expressing Christ’s love by caring for those in need, Catholic Health Initiatives serves more than four million people each year through acute care hospitals; long-term care, assisted and residential-living facilities; community-based health services; home care; research and development; and reference laboratory services.

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Contact: Sonja Day
Communication/Marketing Manager
CHI St. Joseph’s Health
600 Pleasant Avenue
Park Rapids, MN  56470
218.616.3383