Local figure skater strives for Olympic form after a serious injury

Geneva, Ill. figure skater Derek Wagner, 18, triumphantly returned to the ice for an annual holiday show in December at his home ice rink in Buffalo Grove. While it wasn't the Olympic ice he had dreamed about, simply getting in front of an audience again was a huge accomplishment following a devastating injury.

On the heels of an eighth-place finish in the Junior Men's Division at the 2017 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Wagner was invited to the Olympic Training Camp in Colorado Springs. But he never made it to camp. During a practice in May, Wagner's skate caught a ridge in the ice and he fell hard on his right knee, fracturing his patella.

"I knew almost immediately that this wasn't a minor injury," said Wagner. "I couldn't get back up."

Wagner underwent surgery to repair the knee and then the hard work began - over six months of physical therapy at the Northwestern Medicine Delnor Health and Fitness Center. Getting Wagner back into competition form has been an exciting challenge for physical therapist Howie Manuel, DPT, of Northwestern Medicine Rehabilitation Services.

"It's important with all patients, but especially elite athletes, to develop a customized therapy plan unique to the patient's goals," Manuel said. "I have to be very creative with Derek. I obviously can't do a triple Lutz, so I can't physically show him what I want him to do."

Manuel watched videos of Wagner's performances to better understand the demands on his body. After being immobilized for nearly a month, the first goal was rebuilding flexibility, then strength in not only the knee, but Wagner's whole body.

"Figure skating requires exceptional gross and fine motor skills," said Manuel. "We worked on his legs, knees, back, core, neck - the whole person."

Closely adhering to the restrictions ordered by Wagner's surgeon, Manuel increasingly made therapy more challenging to ensure Wagner had the power, speed, balance and coordination to make the leap from ground to ice.

"Regaining my confidence has actually been the toughest hurdle," said Wagner. "I was wary about putting weight on the leg. Howie motivated me to take one step at a time, first practicing my jumps in the pool, then on land, and finally completing a double jump on the ice."

As Wagner wraps up his physical therapy in the next few weeks, Manuel has prepared an exercise plan to help him ramp up his training. He hopes to be back in top form for the next competition season, which begins in November 2018.

"Getting back in front of an audience in thrilling. I love performing. It is a surreal moment when you finish a performance," said Wagner. "The Holiday Ice Show was so much fun and invigorating. Also, Howie was also able to see me skate, which was amazing."