Told He Might Not Play Again This Season… Then Finished It on the Pitch
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share another client story this week — one that really highlights what determination (and the right approach) can achieve.
A rugby player, Mike Harrison from Wyvern Rugby Club, came to see me after picking up a significant injury mid-season.
It wasn’t just a knock.
They’d been told it was unlikely they’d make it back before the end of the season.
For anyone who plays sport, you’ll understand what that means:
· Missing the run-in
· Letting the team down
· Watching from the sidelines instead of being part of it
It’s a tough place to be.
The starting point
When they came in, there was:
· Pain
· Frustration
· And a lot of uncertainty about what was realistic
But there was also something else:
A real determination to give themselves every possible chance of getting back. This was built on a foundation of sheer grit, determination and a “never-give-up” attitude. Mike has a winner’s manner and ethos, I could immediately tell he was wanting to get back to his passion – Rugby and I used this motivation to work with him for the best outcome.
Using brain based neurology I worked on Mike’s lower back and hip regions in conjunction with how his nervous system would respond to this – eliminating the threat of touch/ movement for his brain. This opened the door to allow further techniques to be used to encourage tissue healing, ensuring the nourishment and blood flow was maximal.
What we focused on
At that stage, it wasn’t about rushing or taking unnecessary risks.
We focused on:
· Settling the injury and improving movement, particularly gaining the side bending motion of the spine with specific osteopathic based techniques such as foraminal gapping
· Gradually rebuilding strength and control
· Progressing load carefully, step by step
· Keeping them involved and engaged, rather than completely switching off
· Most importantly to me was giving the brain the confidence to move safely to reduce the pain perceptions and show Mike movement was easily possible
It required patience — but also belief.
The turning point
As things started to improve, confidence grew alongside the physical progress.
Movements that once felt risky began to feel manageable.
Then stronger.
Then reliable.
That’s always the key moment — when the body and mind start working together again.
The outcome
Against the early expectations…
They made it back.
Not just to train — but to play in the final game of the season.
And not just to “get through it” — but to play fully, confidently, and successfully.
A moment that was genuinely emotional, hard-earned, and incredibly well deserved.
Why this matters
Being told you might not return can feel like the end of the story.
But often, it’s just a different starting point.
With the right approach, the right progression, and the right mindset, the body can achieve more than we initially expect.
The major bulk of the credit needs to go to Mike — for staying patient, staying committed, and showing real resilience when it mattered most. This underlying determination and bravery in the face of adversity is undoubtedly what helped Mike the most, he is an inspiration to learn from and be around. It was a genuine delight to hear he had his wife and daughter present to watch his comeback game, cementing that feel good factor for them all when he was faced with such pain and difficulty initially.
That kind of comeback is brave, inspiring, and not something that happens by accident.
If you’re dealing with an injury that’s knocked your confidence or made you question what’s possible, there is often more you can do than you think. Trusting the therapist and building confidence takes time and I appreciate many people have tired multiple treatment options, at Springback we use a hybrid approach of traditional manual therapies and a more recently developed neurology based angle to add some icing to the cake.
Sometimes, it just takes the right plan.
Until next time,
Tom
