June 20, 2023, is a day Shannon Cucci will never forget. The 38-year-old from Bradenton was participating in a soccer game in Sarasota when she was injured.
“I would like to say that it involved a collision or that someone kicked me, but I just simply took a step backwards after trapping the ball with my thigh and dropped to the ground,” Cucci said. “It was as if someone had kicked me in the back of the ankle, but when I turned and didn’t see anyone there, I knew it was bad.”
Cucci, who played soccer in college at Illinois State University, had never had a major injury before. “I grew up playing soccer and went on to play in college, but took a break when I started my family,” she said. “My kids are older now, so I decided to join a co-ed league to get back into the game.”
Getting the care she needed
Cucci was referred to Manatee Physician Alliance Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine and orthopedic surgeon Samuel Thomas, DO. During the visit, it was confirmed that the Achilles tendon in her lower right leg was torn, and she opted to have surgery to repair it.
“Shannon ruptured her Achilles tendon, which is common in recreational athletes, especially the ‘weekend warriors,’ ” said Dr. Thomas.
Dr. Thomas answered all of Cucci’s questions and was honest and open about the long road to recovery. “He was optimistic about my surgery and rehab, and that made me feel like I had come to the right place,” she said.
On June 28, 2023, Cucci had open repair surgery. “The torn ends of her tendon were tied back together directly using very strong sutures,” explained Dr. Thomas. “In some cases, the rupture can be treated without surgery, but that wasn’t the case with Shannon.”
Cucci couldn’t have asked for a better experience at Manatee. “Everyone was personable and friendly during my surgery,” she said, “and I felt like they were truly invested in my recovery.”
For two weeks following surgery, Cucci wore a soft cast on her ankle and had limited mobility. After that, she wore a boot on her right foot. “When I was first given the boot, I was still using crutches to get around with limited-weight-bearing on my right leg and was not able to drive,” she said.
Rehab helped in recovery
Beginning that August, Cucci participated in outpatient rehabilitation at the Manatee Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center, a service of Manatee Memorial Hospital.
With the aid of her physical therapist, Jeremy Berger, Cucci participated in a personalized exercise plan that included joint mobility, strengthening, flexibility, and proprioceptive training.
“Recovery from an Achilles injury is not difficult, but it is lengthy due to precautions, starting with non-weight-bearing, then progressing to partial-weight-bearing per protocol,” explained Berger. “Getting full range of motion and strength back takes a long time as precautions are followed to protect the surgically repaired tendon.”
Dr. Thomas added that “studies show that professional soccer players are able to return to their previous level of competition once they are fully healed. For the recreational player, we expect an even greater percentage of patients to return to the sport and regain full function.”
“Jeremy was great with my recovery,” Cucci said. “He was always optimistic and celebrated the small wins along the way. Being able to walk without crutches, then without the boot, being able to drive again, and to walk without a limp, were great achievements.”
Following 20 physical therapy sessions, Cucci was able to continue her rehabilitation exercises at home because of the time commitment and the need to work and care for her three children.
“I am able to walk with no pain now, and can get back to playing soccer,” she added. “I have no restrictions.”
To find a physician, visit Manatee Physician Alliance at manateephysicianalliance.com.
Physicians are on the medical staff of Manatee Memorial Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
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