From Injury to Triumph: Owen Long’s Inspiring Recovery Journey with MSU Health Care Sports Medicine

February 4, 2025

Sports, especially football, have been a major part of Owen’s life and identity since the days he began to walk. His father, a varsity football coach at Ovid-Elsie High School, helped foster his love for the game. Owen grew up on the sidelines, helping his father as the team’s “ballboy” while today he plays on the team. 

“I love doing anything that is competitive and keeps me active and driven. If you ask anyone what they identify me with, it’s always a sport, whether it's football, baseball or track,” he said. 

But one day in September of 2022, Owen sustained a serious knee injury. His world was shattered, and Owen was left feeling defeated, wondering if he could ever play sports again. 

“It was very hard for me to realize the impact of my knee injury on me physically and mentally. My confidence and optimism were the lowest they’ve ever been,” Owen said. 

Owen began to receive care from MSU Health Care Sports Medicine orthopedic surgeon Micah Lissy, MD, MS PT, ATC, CSCS. Owen said from day one, Dr. Lissy walked him through what the next 18 months of recovery would look like with great care, detail and positivity, while listening to every thought, fear and question he had.  

“I knew it was going to be a long road to recovery, but Dr. Lissy helped lessen my negative thoughts and gave me a light at the end of the tunnel. My parents and I always said, ‘We won the lottery with Dr. Lissy,’” Owen said. 

After his surgery in October 2022, Owen began physical therapy three times a week, ready to give 100% into his recovery like any other sport he would play. Owen credits Gretchen Classens, MPT, his lead physical therapist at MSU Health Care, for helping him immensely through the rehabilitation process. 

"Recovering from a serious knee injury, especially for athletes like Owen who live and breathe sports, requires patience and dedication,” said Dr. Lissy. “For many, the typical recovery timeline ranges between 9 to 18 months, depending on the injury’s severity, surgical interventions, and commitment to physical therapy. Athletes who stay consistent and focused, like Owen, can often achieve full recovery and even return to the field stronger, but the journey requires mental resilience as much as physical effort." 

Owen grew more hopeful that he would be healed in time for the 2023 football season with every visit with Dr. Lissy. After nine months of aggressive physical therapy, dedication to fully recovering, and a positive attitude, Owen was released early to start training for the upcoming football season. 

“It was the best day of my life, running on that field again,” Owen said. “The huge scar on my left knee is a daily reminder for me not to take anything for granted.”