Thunder Family’s Resilience: Corbin’s Recovery Journey with Debbie Cameron’s Expert Physiotherapy

“I am so grateful to Debbie for assisting with Corbin’s recovery. She is so knowledgeable. Debbie analyses every aspect of the injury to ensure optimum recovery. I certainly have a newfound respect for the intricacy of physiotherapy,’’ enthuses Shawna Thunder. 

If you live in the Upper Highway Area and do any sporting discipline (running, cycling, swimming, weights, rugby…) you would know the Thunder family. Shawna received her SA Colours for Natural Bodybuilding and Mountain Biking and her KZN Colours for Triathlon. Sadly, she crashed her bike at the competition where she would have received her SA Colours for Triathlon. 

The youngest of the three Thunder children, Corbin, followed in his brother’s footsteps by captaining Martizburg College First Rugby Team, received his KZN Colours for Rugby (as well as Judo and Waterpolo!), and then ventured overseas to play for London Wasps, followed by New Castle Falcons and ended up with Sale FC in Manchester. As with most professional sportsmen, Corbin experienced an injury which brought him home for treatment and recovery. 

Debbie Cameron partnered with Corbin to work on his post-surgery recovery from a serious rugby knee injury. The operation was performed by Dr van der Merwe, the orthopaedic specialist who has successfully helped four Springbok players including Siya Kolsi. The plan of physiotherapy was under his specialist guidance and started with intensive physiotherapy. Rehabilitation exercises were combined with computerised muscle power testing using the DynaMo device. Corbin continued with Biokinetics and a return-to-play programme.

 “Corbin has been a pleasure to work with. He is focussed and committed to his recovery and his love for his sport is evident,” explains Debbie. Shawna has certainly passed the determination, passion and love for sport onto her children.