A devoted tennis player’s journey from injury to recovery.
By Resurgens Orthopaedics
For longtime ALTA member Bill, tennis isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. A fixture on Atlanta’s tennis courts for decades, he’s made the game a cornerstone of his physical health, social activity, and everyday routine. However, a series of injuries threatened to take that all away.
“I have dealt with a series of injuries on the tennis court: torn rotator cuff, ruptured bicep tendon, and an IT band injury,” he recalled. “In each case, I turned to Resurgens Orthopaedics for treatment, surgery, and rehab to get me back on the courts.”
Flashback to 10 years ago, Bill was starting a new season playing with ALTA. He was feeling great and his tennis game was in its prime. Then it all changed in an instant. “I just reached backwards for an awkward volley and I felt a pop in my shoulder,” Bill remembers.
He had torn his rotator cuff, which made overhead movements almost impossible. Then, he turned to Resurgens Orthopaedics. During his appointment, Bill’s physician gave him two options: He could make the most of available, conservative approaches and adapt to a limited range of motion, or he could proceed with a rotator cuff repair and the corresponding rehab to return to full activity. For Bill, his choice was about quality of life.
“Tennis was obviously a big driver for me, but I also wanted to do everything with my family. If I’m not on a tennis court, I’m playing golf with my wife or I’m out working in the yard. I don’t want to be limited,” he said.
Then, several years after successfully rehabbing his rotator cuff, Bill suffered a ruptured bicep tendon that again interrupted his rhythm. “With the bicep tendon injury, my entire arm turned black and blue,” he said. “It looked like someone had taken a paintbrush to it.”
Naturally, he expected surgery would be needed. However, after examining the injury, his physician recommended letting it heal naturally. That conservative approach stood out. “I really appreciated the honesty and the fact that he didn’t just rush me into surgery,” he added.
The most recent challenge, an IT band injury, affected his stability and lateral movement. Once again, there was good news: the x-ray showed that there was no need for surgery. Instead, the weakness in his IT band could addressed with physical therapy. Bill diligently spent three months building strength and stabilization with the Resurgens Rehabilitation team so he could get back to the game.
Despite the setbacks, he never lost his resolve because tennis is a core part of his everyday life. “Tennis is a big part of my regular exercise, activity, and social routines, so I genuinely miss any time away from the courts due to injury,” he explained.
Whether playing a friendly match with friends, or competing through ALTA’s seasonal leagues, being out on the court brings a sense of purpose and connection. Bill describes tennis as one of his joys in life, especially when it comes to connecting with his daughters. “Some of our best times were just hanging out on the tennis court. It wasn’t just hitting the tennis ball, it was also talking and connecting on the court,” he said.
Working through one injury is challenging but, facing a few over the course of a decade could be enough to make anyone hang up their racquet. Through Bill’s unwavering determination and with the help of Resurgens Orthopaedics, that wasn’t necessary.
Beyond the medical expertise, what stood out most was the care and attention from everyone involved. “You are in good hands when working with the doctors and therapists to treat your injuries and get you back on the courts,” he shared. “You are treated as a person and not a number. They genuinely care about you as a person and a patient.”
Bill described the feeling each time he got to return to the court in one word: relief. “The support and treatment I received allowed me to return to the tennis courts and resume my activities,” he said. His resilience, combined with the care he received, played a key role in making that return possible. After three injuries and countless hours of rehab, Bill’s message is clear: Seek help, trust your care team, and don’t give up.
His story is a powerful reminder that setbacks don’t have to be permanent. With dedication, expert care, and the right attitude, it’s possible to come back stronger. Today, Bill is back to playing three to four times per week and is looking forward to playing even more when he retires! “My plan is to travel, play more tennis, and stay active as long as I can,” he said, as he smiles and looks toward the future.
