One of the biggest news stories leading up to the Super Bowl was the focus on whether Dwight Freeney, star defensive end of the Indianapolis Colts, would play in the game. And it was a legitimate question. After all, he had torn a ligament in his ankle while playing in the AFC Championship Game just two weeks before. The protocol for his injury using standard therapy called for an 8-10 week recovery, and his doctors told him (and the media) that he would not play.
Well, that was not good enough for Dwight. With the same determination that made him one of the most feared pass rushers in the game of football, he set out to heal his ankle in time to play in the Super Bowl. He had seen success with ARPwave in the past, and decided to use it in his attempt to pull off a dramatic recovery.
Here is the story of Dwight's recovery process:
On Monday the 25th, the ankle had swollen to almost double its size. It was more than 22 inches in diameter, while the opposite ankle measured 11 and ¾ inches. An MRI was done on the ankle, and it confirmed a grade 3 ankle sprain. That means torn ligaments, and the prognosis that he would not play.
Following the diagnosis, Dwight and the Colts brought in a member of the ARPwave team to begin administering treatments. On Wednesday the 27th, ARP treatments brought the ankle swelling down to 18 inches; on Thursday it was down to 14 inches.
On Friday the 29th, Dwight traveled to Miami to continue the ARP Rehabilitation/Strength treatment program. All major sports stations were reporting that it was very doubtful Dwight Freeney would play in the Super Bowl. Dwight also continued to sleep with the ARP machine on at night, and kept doing several treatments per day.
On Tuesday the 2nd, Dwight's "team" worked on his ankle for another half day, using three ARP machines for some treatments. Dwight was then taken to the beach where he walked without demonstrating any compensation pattern(s) and he was able to hop on the beach without pain. Meanwhile, Dwight was still the top story on the news channels and most believed he would not play. Dwight was still sleeping with the ARP machine.
On Wednesday the 3rd, Dwight's ankle measured a normal 11 and ¾ inches and he was able to hold his bodyweight on the injured ankle for seven minutes without pain. His "bad" ankle was now stronger than his good ankle. At this point, Dwight wanted to test his ankle using cleats. Dwight went to the Miami Dolphin's training field to test the injured ankle.
Dwight ran five 10 yard sprints at half-speed exhibiting no compensation pattern(s). Then, he ran faster and he still exhibited no compensation pattern(s) or pain. This testing was performed on artificial turf. Next we wanted to test the "Freeney Spin" and his quickness. Once he successfully completed is famous spin move without pain, he knew he would be ready to go on Sunday.
ESPN, FOX, NBC, and the NFL channels were ALL reporting he was doubtful and/or if he did play, he would need an injection and only be available for third down situations. After Dwight's testing, we all knew differently.
On Thursday the 4th, he wanted to test his ankle out on grass. This test was filmed by the Colts to prove to the team doctor and the head coach what our team already knew: Dwight Freeney was ready to play in the Super Bowl!
The next test was to see how well Dwight could run. Dwight was "loosened" using an ARP machine to prepare to run. He did the "Bag Drill" and landed on the injured ankle with full force. Dwight chose "Bull Rushing" as his final test, and he felt no pain nor did he demonstrate any compensation pattern(s). Thus, the rehabilitation/strength program was a huge success, and he was ready!
On Saturday the 6th, the rehabilitation/strength team had limited time to work with him due to practice and other commitments but the team knew he was ready to play in the Super Bowl.
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY… the 7th. The Colts prepared a special treatment room for the ARP Rehabilitation/Strength team. Dwight was taped and went out onto the field for his final test. He passed, and went out to play in the game. He had a sack of the quarterback in the first quarter and his Bull Rush had never looked faster or stronger. As an aside, Dwight did not need an injection to play!
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