Cecily Tynan battles back from torn ACL

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- You've probably noticed that Action News meteorologist Cecily Tynan hasn't been here for a few weeks.

She recently tore her ACL- a major ligament in the knee - so she was out for surgery.

A torn or ruptured ACL is a very common injury among athletes. We're now seeing it happen to a lot of female athletes- especially teenagers who play soccer or basketball.

In order to be able to play at the same level again, it takes surgery and rehabilitation.

It is a long process and one that Cecily is just starting.

Cecily, who is an avid skier and competitive runner, knew it was trouble when she slid on the ice while skiing three weeks ago.

"When I felt the pop, I knew it was bad," she said.

Ski Patrol at Jack Frost brought her down the mountain.

Rothman Institute Doctor Robert Frederick says that "pop" Cecily described is a classic sign of a torn ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament.

An MRI further confirmed the diagnosis.

"It's torn in the midsection, can see a piece here and piece up here," said Dr. Frederick.

"When Dr. Frederick said 'You have a ruptured ACL, it's gone, I think I started to cry immediately because you know, I knew I would be out for a long time," said Cecily.

Once the swelling went down two weeks later, Cecily had surgery. It's a common procedure where doctors drill holes into the shin and thigh bone to place a new ligament.

Cecily says it was tougher than expected.

"I knew it was going to be painful but I didn't know it was going to be that painful," Cecily said.

Cecily now has daily physical therapy at Excel P.T., but even before surgery she started doing pre-hab - exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding her injury. Experts say it can help speed recovery

"Being stronger, you won't fall back as far, so if you don't fall back as far, it won't take as much to get back to where you are," said Joe Ruhl of Excel PT.

Still, Cecily knows, she has a long road ahead of her.

"Typically the earliest you would get someone back to sports is 6 months but more realistically 10 to 12 months post-surgery," said Dr. Frederick.

Cecily is leaning on others, including her husband, for support.

She says her friends and fans on social media have given her the best advice: take it one day at a time.

"I know I have a long way to go," Cecily said, "But every day I feel like I am taking a step towards recovery."