From Physical Therapist to Patient: Arron’s Journey Back to the Activities He Loves
“It does get better – but it takes time. That’s probably the number one thing.”
— Arron Buck
When you’re an active person, knee pain doesn’t just slow you down; it can change the way you live your life. For Arron, a physical therapist and lifelong recreational athlete, knee problems had been part of his world since high school. But when the pain started cutting him off from the things that made him feel like himself, he knew he needed answers that went beyond the exercises and mobility work he’d relied on for years.
That search led him to OrthoIllinois and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel, where he found a clear path forward and a chance to return to the activities he loves most.
When Knee Pain Becomes a Daily Struggle
Arron’s knee issues started early. At 16, he had his first meniscus repair, followed by other scopes as the years went on. Slowly, his knee became a constant source of discomfort. He dealt with recurring inflammation, grinding and crunching sensations, and occasional locking that would stop him mid-movement. Even with his PT background and consistent strengthening routines, things didn’t improve.
As the pain worsened, daily movements became uncomfortable. Tasks that used to feel routine suddenly took more energy and caution. His other joints started paying the price, too, as he unconsciously shifted his movement patterns to avoid pain. More than anything, he began losing the ability to do the activities that brought him joy.
“Baseball and skiing were the big two,” Arron said. “I’d been a catcher for a long time, and the inflammation made that really difficult. And skiing is something I grew up doing; it had become very hard because of my knee.”
When conservative care no longer helped with the pain, he needed fresh insight. Dr. Van Thiel ordered a new MRI and restarted the diagnostic process so they could fully understand what was happening inside the joint.
Why Arron Put His Trust in OrthoIllinois
Arron knew the process would be long because he had years of experience watching patients recover from orthopedic surgeries. And over time, something became very clear: patients who came from Dr. Van Thiel’s care consistently had strong results and smooth recoveries.
That firsthand exposure gave Arron confidence that OrthoIllinois was the place he wanted to be.
“One thing I really like about Dr. Van Thiel is how he lays out the next steps,” he shared. “He explains your options and what you can expect from each one. He’s not someone who pushes for surgery right away, he gives you the full picture and lets you decide what matters most to you.”
The two discussed everything from activity changes and anti-inflammatory strategies to possible surgical options depending on what the MRI revealed. For someone facing a complex knee issue, that level of clarity and partnership mattered.
A Tailored Surgical Plan
Once the imaging was complete, the answer became clear: Arron’s knee required more than conservative care. To give him the best chance at long-term stability and mobility, Dr. Van Thiel developed a personalized plan that combined multiple procedures.
Arron underwent a meniscus transplant, an OATS procedure to restore cartilage and bone on the femur, and a distal femoral osteotomy to realign the leg and correct structural collapse. It was a major surgery, but it was designed strategically to address the root causes of his pain and not just the symptoms.
Recovery: Slow, Steady, and Encouraging From Day One
The first surprise came right after surgery as Arron woke up without pain. He only experienced the normal postoperative inflammation which he expected. Weight-bearing therapy began as planned, strengthening followed soon after, and he progressed steadily.
As a physical therapist, Arron understood better than most that recovery isn’t a sprint. But life doesn’t always follow a perfect timeline. A family situation pulled him away from his physical therapy routine for a short time, and his knee reacted with some inflammation. He received a short steroid treatment and was quickly back on track.
“Everything was really smooth,” Arron said. “Even when I hit a roadblock, I just called OrthoIllinois and they were able to see me quickly.”
His Message to Other Patients: Be Patient and Trust the Process
Arron greatly appreciated that surgery wasn’t the first option presented to him. The open and honest conversation he had with Dr. Van Thiel made him feel confident in every decision along the way.
“I know it’s going to be a long-term process, especially with what I’m trying to get back to,” he shared. “But everything has been really great so far.”
Today, he’s playing baseball again, preparing to ski this winter, and rebuilding strength with a renewed sense of confidence. He believes the care he received from the surgery itself to the ongoing communication and support, made all the difference.
A Return to Movement and a Reminder That Relief Is Possible
Arron’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with skilled orthopedic care, innovative surgical techniques, and a patient committed to the long game. He’s back to doing what he loves, and he’s continuing to improve every day.
If knee pain limits your life, you’re not alone – and you don’t need to navigate the journey by yourself. Explore your options or request an appointment with OrthoIllinois to start your own path back to movement.
