Three months on from sustaining a serious knee injury during a crucial match between AFC Bournemouth and Oxford United, we sat down with Holly Turner for an update on her road to recovery.
“In the moment, I knew this was more than a two week thing,” said Holly.
The injury happened on Wednesday 29 October, during a league match between the two sides at the Vitality Stadium. With over 5000 supporters in attendance, there was an added intensity to the game and an innocuous change of direction as Holly pressed the Bournemouth defence resulted in a Grade 2 ACL and MCL injury.
“That night, I already knew it could potentially be season-ending. I’ve worked hard so I’m really hoping it’s not going to be.
“It’s difficult to accept that you’re going to be out for a long time but I couldn’t control what happened. It happened and I just had to deal with it.”
Following the injury, Holly’s rehabilitation started with weeks of rest and trying to reduce the swelling, while aiming to keep a range of movement and not lose too much muscle.
“Every time you suffer an injury, you learn a lot about yourself. As much as I’d like a shiny career, I’ve not had one.
“In those downtimes, it just makes those highs so high. I know I’ll get another high, when that is, I don't know, but I know I’ll appreciate it even more.
“But I’ve been very lucky with the support around me through this injury. I won’t lie, it's probably been one of the most challenging but I’ve had a lot of support from the girls and the Club and I’m grateful for that.”
The 25-year-old striker revealed that over the past few weeks, before coming into the Training Centre, she has been going to the gym by herself to boost motivation and increase the chances of a faster return to action. As the new year arrived, Holly was able to return to the pitch, initially doing straight line running before progressing into more strenuous activity.
“It’s about making sure my legs can handle the load again. There’s lots of on-pitch work and ball work, and I’ll have some testing to make sure that I’m strong enough to get through training.”
The next steps for Holly include building the strength to change direction safely, with the aim of returning to team training in the following weeks. Guiding Holly through her rehabilitation has been Taylor Dart, Lead Physiotherapist for Oxford United Women.
“I think I text him every day,” said Holly, “I’m always asking about new programmes, how I’m feeling, or what I’m doing next”
“We have a good relationship and he’s supporting me through it.”
Liam Gilbert’s side have enjoyed a strong period of results over the past few months, including a seven-game winning run and reaching the Fifth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. As a return to action grows closer, Holly is looking forward to the moment when she can step back out onto the pitch.
“Since Liam’s come in, we’ve really found some form and found who we want to be. As much as I know I am a part of it, it’s quite hard to be a part of it when you can’t put things into practice.
“I’m looking forward to it, we’re playing well, and I can’t wait to be back involved with them and enjoy it in the same way.”
Holly Turner’s road to recovery is out now on OUTV. Watch HERE.