the tibia (shin bone) and provides stability while controlling rotation<\/a>. When tears happen, a lengthy process of rehab and recovery ensues. Of course, for those who have carved out an identity as an elite athlete, being forced out of the action creates mental as well as physical issues. \u201cBasketball is my outlet,\u201d says Horston. \u201cSo, it was very, very hard for me to have that taken away.\u201d Still, the basketballer says that this challenge pulled her closer to God and encouraged her to discover other elements of her character\u2014so that sport was not her only defining feature.<\/p>\nJordan Horston\u2019s ACL Rehab: Step-by-Step Recovery Process<\/h2>\n
Following reconstructive surgery, Horston was determined to remain part of the team. \u201cSeattle did a great job,\u201d she explains. \u201cThey definitely did all they could to make me feel as involved and on the team as possible. It was hard. It was like breaking up with your ex and having to see them every day.\u201d Still, Horston hung in there and says that Seattle Storm\u2019s coaches and teammates lifted her out of a dark place. \u201cI had to learn how to walk again,\u201d she tells M&F Hers, noting that one of the biggest challenges was not to go too hard, and too fast with her recovery. \u201cI dreaded having to go to the bathroom,\u201d she recalls of the pain she felt in those early days. \u201cIt was the worst.\u201d<\/p>\n
To re-build her muscle and stability, Horston began her rehab by squeezing her quads. \u201cI had no strength in my leg,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe squeezing was not working, and it was kind of frustrating at first, but I was determined to get it done.\u201d Once the squeezing became successful, the basketballer added ankle weights and did knee pulls, then came the bike and mastering a single pedal rotation before getting off to the races. \u201cI had to count the little wins, because I knew it was a long journey,\u201d says the inspiring athlete.<\/p>\n
Along with the physical progress, came a shift in mindset. \u201cIf you knew me a year ago, I never wanted to do legs, ever,\u201d says Horston. \u201cI hated doing legs. I was just arms, arms, arms\u2026 That was just young-minded ignorance, right? And then I got hurt, and now I\u2019m like, \u2018I need every muscle in the leg\u2019, especially around the knee, the quad, the hamstring, the glutes, claves, feet, ankles. I didn\u2019t realize how much that plays into the stability of your body and keeping your knees safe<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\nHorston shares that the recovery process has taught her that the legs are her \u201cmotor.\u201d Now, she loves the leg extension machine, and dials into her deadlifts like never before. Horston also does a lot of single leg work to fix any imbalances. This greater focus on fulfilling her body has extended to being more mindful about her nutrition. \u201cI\u2019m a lot more intentional about my food, and recovery,\u201d she says. \u201cI do cold plunges and saunas and use a hyperbaric chamber. I just feel way better. And, when I feel better, I play better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jordan Horston tells M&F Hers<\/em> that she\u2019s now raring for her return, hitting the court at 8.15 a.m. for shooting practice, followed by bodywork sessions such as massage, muscle activation, or stability exercises. By 10 a.m., the baller is back on the court for drills and practice, followed by a workout in the gym, some cardio, and then that all-important recovery. \u201cEat, sleep, and repeat,\u201d she explains, with a glint in her eye. \u201cHonestly, I don\u2019t regret the injury at all,\u201d reveals Horston. \u201cMight sound funny, but I\u2019m thankful for it, in a sense\u2026 It taught me how to really take care of my body on a whole other level.\u201d<\/p>\nJordan Horston is set to return to the court for the WNBA\u2019s 30th season, beginning May 8, 2026.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nTo follow her on Instagram, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n