As a collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach, Dan Wenger’s work is focused on helping athletes perform at their best. At the time of his injury, he was leading Ball State student-athletes through daily training sessions – long, physical days filled with weightlifting, equipment setup and on-field preparation.
“It’s a very physically demanding job,” Dan said. “You’re constantly moving, lifting, setting up equipment – it’s full-speed from the early morning until the day ends.” Dan is in constant motion outside of work as well as he and his wife raise their two young children. He says that keeping up with them is a full-time hobby in itself.
During a Ball State football game, Dan was struck on the sideline by a player who had been pushed out of bounds. The impact caused immediate pain and visible swelling in his arm. “My bicep rolled up toward my shoulder,” he recalled. “Right away, I knew something was wrong.”
After being evaluated at the game by the current Ball State Team Physicians, Dan was told his injury was not severe. But based on how it looked and felt, he knew that wasn’t right. “I’ve had several orthopedic injuries from my playing days, so I’m pretty in tune with my body,” Dan said. “I knew I needed to be evaluated by someone I trusted.”
Having worked with Central Indiana Orthopedics as the Team Physicians in the past, Dan’s trust brought him to the Central Indiana Orthopedics Walk-In Clinic. “I’d seen the way CIO cared for athletes before and was confident in the quality of care they provided,” he said. “They were always professional, efficient and thorough. I knew if I went there, I’d get the answers I needed.”
At the CIO Walk-In Clinic, Dan was treated by Dr. Jeremy Hunt. “I was seen quickly, within 20 minutes,” he said. “Dr. Hunt examined me and immediately scheduled imaging to confirm what was going on.” An MRI the following day showed a complete bicep tendon rupture, and surgery was scheduled within the week with Dr. Nick Cook, CIO’s Hand, Wrist and Elbow surgeon.
Dr. Cook performed the surgery and guided Dan through recovery. “He explained every step of the process so I knew exactly what to expect,” Dan said. “It gave me a lot of confidence.”
From start to finish, the process moved efficiently – something that stood out to Dan. “I was amazed at how fast everything happened,” he said. “From the Walk-In Clinic visit to the MRI to surgery, it all came together within a few days. That made a huge difference in getting me back to work and back to my normal life.”
Dan’s coordinated care extended through physical therapy, helping him rebuild strength safely and effectively. “CIO didn’t just fit me into a one-size-fits-all plan,” he said. “They personalized everything based on my job and my goals.”
Today, Dan is back to full strength, coaching athletes, training in the gym and playing with his kids without hesitation. “Being able to pick them up and move around without pain again feels incredible,” he shared.
Reflecting on his experience, Dan describes the care he received at CIO as purposeful, intentional and done with integrity. “From the Walk-In Clinic to surgery and therapy, everyone was outstanding,” he said. “They listened to me, treated me as an individual and made sure I had a clear plan every step of the way.”
When asked what he’d tell others considering treatment at CIO, his answer was simple: “Go. They’ll give you an honest evaluation and care about your goals. You’ll be in great hands.”
To learn more about Central Indiana Orthopedics and how our team can help you get back to doing what you love, explore our services at ciocenter.com/services/.