Callum Wilson recently completed a three-week treatment plan at Aspetar, one of the leading orthopaedic and sports medicine hospitals, based in Doha, Qatar.
The 25-year-old striker’s season ended prematurely after he ruptured his left anterior cruciate ligament in training last February, bringing him to Aspetar for treatment and rehabilitation.
During his stay, Wilson benefited from the expertise of Aspetar’s renowned specialists in sports medicine, sports science, orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation.
As part of the hospital’s efforts to assist athletes in achieving their maximum performance and full potential, Aspetar’s team took Wilson through a comprehensive treatment process to assess his injury and prepare a treatment plan to get him back on the field as soon as possible.
“There was really no better place for me to come for consultation and treatment than one of the world’s leading institutions in sports medicine and exercise science,” said Wilson of his Gulf surrounds. “It’s also great to get away to a new location where you can concentrate fully on recovery without the pressures associated with your home base.
“My family is also here with me in Doha on a brief vacation from London and they’ve immensely enjoyed their stay, taking advantage of the great entertainment options Doha has to offer. Knowing that my family is here while I’m undergoing rehabilitation has been very motivating.
“My experience with Aspetar has been excellent and very productive so far. I’ve been here for two and a half weeks and I enjoyed every minute of it. The coaches working with me are on a mission to help me achieve my maximum performance and full potential and I already feel the difference. I have numerous people to thank here for making me more knowledgeable about my body and more aware on how to protect it from injury out on the field. I’ll take this knowledge with me back to England to aid me throughout my career.”
Being monitored well: Wilson
It is Wilson’s second cruciate knee ligament injury and experts have ruled him out for at least six months, marking the end of his season.
Aspetar boasts one of the most advanced rehabilitation departments in the region, which is integral to Aspetar’s multidisciplinary approach to athlete management.
The hospital’s method focuses on assessment and treatment of injured athletes by implementing personalised injury treatment programmes, including the hamstring protocol.
Full of praise for the Doha facilities, Wilson felt he was in the best possible place to further his treatment.
“The facilities at Aspetar are truly world-class and fantastic,” he said. “They are designed as a one-stop-shop for athletes to receive treatment, go through rehabilitation and training.
Showing gradual improvement in his recovery: Callum Wilson.
“Players have all they need here from gym facilities, pools to weights training, which complements the treatment process to ensure a quicker recovery.
“The state-of-the art equipment and technologies also allow for monitoring and assessment to course correct my treatment plan as we go along, which has made all the difference in making sure my body gets exactly what it needs to heal.”
Wilson was also asked his thoughts regarding Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup 2022, saying it is “properly equipped” to host football’s biggest tournament.
“I think Qatar is properly equipped to host the World Cup, as can be seen from the projects that are currently being developed, like the Khalifa International Stadium next door and the Rail system that’s being built underground,” he said. “I hope I can return to Qatar in a more active fashion to represent England in 2022.”
