Back on Track Thanks to Exceptional Orthopedic Care and Therapy

September 08, 2025
 

Ava Gary, 18, was looking forward to finishing out her high school athletic career at the top of her game, but thought her hopes were dashed when she a sustained a knee injury. After physical therapy did not achieve the desired result, a subsequent MRI revealed a meniscus tear that would require surgical repair. MyMichigan Orthopedic Surgeon and Surgical Sports Medicine Specialist Benjamin Cox, M.D., performed the meniscus repair on her knee at MyMichigan Medical Center Mt. Pleasant, and MyMichigan’s Rehabilitation Services in Clare guided her through physical therapy. Ava and her family were amazed when she came out of this “setback” even stronger than she was before.

Throughout her career, Ava participated in basketball, volleyball and track, securing records and receiving accolades from coaches and teammates for her focus and determination. She was participating in a regional track meet at the end of her junior year when she twisted her ankle while running hurdles and came down on her knee. She was forced to leave the meet and ended up at urgent care the following day for an X-ray. No fractured was detected, and physical therapy was ordered.

“We were very happy to be referred to MyMichigan’s Rehabilitation Services in Clare,” said Kelly, Ava’s mom. “We knew they had extensive services and a great team of therapists. They were all very good to Ava.”

After two weeks without improvement, Ava had an MRI to find out what was impeding her therapy progress. A torn meniscus was revealed and a consultation with Dr. Cox scheduled.

“Dr. Cox was very nice, but also straightforward with me, which I appreciated,” Ava said. “I was glad to have met the physical therapy team before my surgery. They were all kind to me and provided motivation to help me prepare for my surgery and recovery. Everyone involved was an excellent communicator, and I felt that was really key to feeling comfortable with them and reaching my goals.”

Kelly recalls seeing Dr. Cox in the office and feeling disappointed that this was happening to her daughter during her senior year. “Dr. Cox told me: ‘we have to see the silver lining.’ “I didn’t think there was one at the time, but I do now,” she said. “Ava’s team was top-notch, and Ava is a stronger athlete because of their care and expertise.”

Ava’s surgical outcome was a good one. Her care team in therapy was led by Physical Therapist Derick Roland, D.P.T. “If Ava wasn’t training with Derick on a particular day, he was consulting with other members of her rehab team and checking on her progress,” Kelly said. 

“Ava did really well because she showed up for every visit, did exactly what she was told to do and pushed herself,” Roland said. “She is actually better now than she was prior to injury. In fact, she has set records for her school in the same event she injured herself in – that really shows dedication and determination.”

“The entire MyMichigan care team for Ava was excellent and truly focused on her achieving the best possible outcome,” said Kelly. “She had an expert orthopedic surgeon and she worked hard with the guidance of her therapists to stay motivated and positive. We couldn’t be happier.”

Since being release from therapy, Ava has broken four Gladwin High School records. She will be running track for Saginaw Valley State University in the fall and will be studying to become a nurse like her mom.

Those who would like more information about Dr. Cox may visit www.mymichigan.org/bencox or more information about MyMichigan’s Rehabilitation Services in Clare may visit www.mymichigan.org/clarerehab.