For Wauseon High School athlete Riley Riegsecker, sports have always been more than just a pastime. They are a way of life. A dedicated and competitive athlete, Riley has played varsity basketball for the past two years while also competing in track and AAU basketball. His commitment to athletic excellence is reflected in a demanding training schedule that includes six days per week of basketball skill development, strength training, and plyometric conditioning.
That dedication was suddenly put to the test when a routine basketball workout resulted in a serious injury.
During a training session, Riley landed awkwardly and severely rolled his ankle. The pain was immediate and intense. Within a short time, his ankle had swollen to approximately the size of a tennis ball, and he struggled to move normally. The injury occurred at one of the worst possible times; just ten days before the start of Northwest Ohio Athletic League (NWOAL) play.
After being evaluated at urgent care, Riley’s ankle was placed in a compression wrap and stabilized in a walking boot. He required crutches to get around. The injury not only sidelined him from basketball practices, games, conditioning sessions, and weight training, but also made everyday activities difficult. Even getting around his own home was a challenge, and he developed a noticeable limp.
For an athlete accustomed to constant movement and competition, the sudden loss of mobility was difficult, both physically and emotionally.
As a teacher at New Horizons Academy, Riley’s mom, Allie, had heard numerous success stories over the years about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at Sara’s Garden. Determined to explore every possible avenue to support Riley’s recovery, the family decided to pursue treatment there in hopes of helping him heal faster and return to the court.
The results were encouraging almost immediately.
After just two Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions, Riley experienced noticeable improvements in both his mobility and his limp. He was walking more comfortably and moving with greater ease. Those early gains provided a significant boost to his confidence and motivation.
As treatment continued, Riley reported additional benefits. He experienced increased energy, less fatigue, reduced ankle pain, and an overall sense of improved well-being. These improvements helped support his recovery and allowed him to gradually resume normal activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Throughout the process, Riley was surrounded by encouragement from family, friends, teammates, and community members. Many had heard positive stories about HBOT at Sara’s Garden and were eager to follow his progress. Their support became an important source of motivation as he worked toward his goal of returning to competition.
What happened next exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Despite the severity of the injury, Riley was back on the basketball court just ten days later for the opening game of league play. Not only did he return to action, but he also delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 21 points and helping lead Wauseon to a hard-fought victory in an exciting, closely contested game.
“Seeing him compete at that level so soon after his injury was remarkable,” Allie shared. “We never imagined he would be able to return that quickly.”
Riley went on to enjoy an exceptional season, earning numerous accolades, including First Team NWOAL, First Team District 7, Second Team All-Northwest District, and Honorable Mention All-Ohio Division IV honors.
Today, five months after the injury, Riley feels fully recovered. The swelling has completely resolved, he no longer requires an ankle brace, and he has returned to training and competition with confidence. He feels stronger, more stable, and comfortable participating in the activities he loves without fear of reinjury.
While every injury and recovery journey is unique, Riley believes Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy played an important role in supporting his healing process, reducing discomfort, and helping him return to an active lifestyle sooner than expected.
His family’s gratitude remains strong.
“We are incredibly thankful to have such a valuable resource so close to home,” Allie said. “Sara’s Garden played a tremendous role in helping Riley return to the basketball court and enjoy a season that we feared might have been cut short. We were amazed by both the results and the speed of his recovery.”
For athletes facing injuries and the uncertainty that often follows, Riley’s story serves as an inspiring example of determination, support, and the potential benefits that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may provide as part of the recovery process.
No matter what you’ve been told, there is hope… for this and many other conditions. HBOT is treatment without drugs… without surgery… without pain.
It’s time for our 2026 New Horizons Academy Coffee FUNdraiser! This year, you can upgrade your breakfast or snack routine by also purchasing homemade granola and chocolate covered espresso beans!
