When it comes to overcoming setbacks, few stories are as compelling as Charlie Willett’s. A talented rugby player who has faced not one but two ACL injuries. In a revealing episode of the Hytro Performance Podcast, Charlie and her physiotherapist partner Alex Holland share the ups and downs of her journey, the challenges of back-to-back injuries and how innovative techniques like Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) played a pivotal role in her rehab.
A promising career interrupted
Charlie has earned her reputation as a fierce competitor on the rugby field, an impressive background with a history of various sporting disciplines it’s obvious to see the promising career ahead of her. But things took a small detour when she suffered her first ACL injury, a devastating blow for any athlete. Just as she was on the verge of recovery, a second ACL injury turned her world upside down.
"The first injury was tough, but I was optimistic," Charlie recalls. "The second time, I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. It wasn’t just my knee that was broken, it felt like my spirit was too."
Alex Holland, who not only has her boyfriend but as her physio has worked with Charlie throughout her recovery, described the difficulty of facing such injuries back-to-back. "Two ACL injuries in close succession present a unique challenge," Alex explains. "It’s not just about the physical damage. It’s about rebuilding confidence and helping the athlete trust their body again."
The physical and emotional toll of double ACL injuries
For Charlie, the road to recovery required more than just physical therapy, it demanded mental fortitude. Thankfully, also something Charlie has long been well known for. Alex emphasised that managing an athlete's mindset is just as crucial as managing their physical recovery.
"One of the biggest hurdles for Charlie was trusting the process," Alex shares. "After the second injury, she had to come to terms with the fact that recovery wouldn’t be a quick fix. It’s about small wins, building up step by step."
For Charlie, the mental battle was as gruelling as the physical one. "There were days when I questioned if it was worth it, especially during those long, monotonous rehab sessions," she admits. "But Alex and the team kept me focused on the bigger picture."
The turning point: Embracing the process and finding the right tools
One of the standout elements of Charlie’s rehab journey was the incorporation of BFR Training. Hytro’s BFR technology became a game-changer, enabling her to maintain strength and muscle mass during periods when traditional training wasn’t possible.
"BFR is a revolutionary tool, especially for athletes recovering from lower-limb injuries," Alex explains. "It allows us to mimic high-intensity training effects without putting stress on the joints. For Charlie, this was crucial."
Charlie reflected on the impact Hytro BFR had on her progress. "Using BFR felt like I was still moving forward, even when I couldn’t do the things I was used to. It kept me motivated and gave me a sense of achievement on the tough days."
Alex highlights that BFR isn’t just about muscle activation, it’s also about maintaining morale. "When athletes see results, even small ones, it keeps them engaged in the process. That’s what BFR brought to Charlie’s recovery. It bridged the gap between being stuck and feeling like progress was happening."
The holistic approach to recovery
While BFR played a significant role, Alex stressed that no single tool or method can drive recovery on its own. A successful rehab programme requires a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental and emotional needs.
"With Charlie, it wasn’t just about strengthening her knee, it was about preparing her whole body to return to rugby," Alex explains. "We worked on everything from mobility to conditioning to mental resilience. BFR was one piece of a much larger puzzle."
Charlie agreed, adding how important it was to have a multidisciplinary team supporting her. "It wasn’t just about ticking off exercises. Alex and the team made sure I understood why I was doing what I was doing. That made all the difference."
Back on the field, stronger than ever
Today, Charlie is back on the rugby field, a testament to her resilience and the power of innovative recovery techniques. Still not playing but running and beginning her conditioning again. Alex points out in the recent podcast that her return wasn’t just about getting back to where she was, it was about becoming a stronger, smarter athlete.
"Charlie didn’t just recover from two ACL injuries - she evolved as a player," Alex says. "Her experience has given her a deeper understanding of her body and what it takes to stay at the top of her game."
Charlie’s story is one of determination and transformation. "I never imagined I’d have to recover from two ACL injuries," she says. "But the process taught me how to fight, how to adapt and how to trust the journey. Tools like BFR and having a team like Alex’s made it possible."
Successful recovery requires a team effort with a multidisciplinary approach that combines physiotherapy, innovative tools and mental support. Including techniques such as BFR is a game-changer as it allows athletes to maintain strength without stressing injured joints, and bridges critical gaps in rehabilitation. Maintaining a focus on mental resilience is also just as important as physical strength, and when that is enabled, the most devastating of injuries can become a real opportunity for athletes to evolve and grow.
As Alex aptly puts it, "Injuries are setbacks, not full stops. With the right tools, mindset, and support system, athletes can not only recover but come back better than before."
Charlie’s journey is proof of that - an inspiring story of grit, innovation, and the power of believing in the process. "The road was long," she concludes, "but every step was worth it."
Listen to the full episode on YouTube or Spotify. Get your Hytro BFR Performance Shorts here.
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