How Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Girlfriend Helped Save Conor McGregor After Career-Threatening Injury

Arnold Schwarzenegger walked into Elite Orthosport for shoulder rehab. Arnie’s surgery had recommended Schwarzenegger to work with expert physiotherapist Heather Milligan. The bodybuilding legend needed to fix his shoulder before starting production on the film Escape Plan with Sylvester Stallone. Milligan lived up to her reputation, getting Arnie back in action.

However, the former gymnast turned renowned physical therapist worked with a long list of high-profile athletes long before meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger. By the following year, Milligan and Schwarzenegger had started dating, when UFC superstar Conor McGregor came to her. Milligan impressed The Notorious so much that he chose her when he suffered a career-threatening injury nearly a decade later.

How Heather Milligan got Connor McGregor back on his feat

Conor McGregor made his made his return to the octagon at UFC 257. McGregor wanted to make a triumphant return, but Dustin Poirier stopped him with a knockout victory. Looking to avenge his loss, the Irishman signed up for the rematch. However, disaster struck at UFC 264, when McGregor broke his left shin bone during the fight. Then began the arduous road to recovery.

Throughout the history of the UFC, famous champions like Anderson Silva, Chris Weidman, and a handful of others have suffered the injury, with devastating effects on their careers. However, Conor McGregor was determined to get back to his feat. After undergoing surgery and as part of the healing process, McGregor went to Heather Milligan.

The Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) went to work on getting McGregor back to 100%. While the details of what she did for the former two-division champion are unknown, the 35-year-old did several sessions of physiotherapy. 

During one of his visits to Elite Orthosport the former UFC champion even met Arnold Schwarzenegger. The bodybuilding legend and the UFC star share a mutual respect for one another. However, The Notorious also didn’t shy away from appreciating the rapid progress he made under Milligan’s therapy. He thanked the Elite Orthosport founder on social media.

“Excellent work today with Heather Milligan of Elite Orthosport! This woman and the team here is incredible! The same team I repaired my ACL within record time back in 2013. The same team I will repair this bone within record time! Let’s go, team!” McGregor posted on Twitter. He also included a photograph with the 49-year-old girlfriend of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist (COMT) helped McGregor recover from a torn ACL in 2013. The then-UFC featherweight tore his ACL while fighting Max Holloway. However, with Milligan’s help, he bounced back better than ever. Besides capturing the featherweight title, he also clinched the lightweight belt.

“Doing rehab with Heather Milligan! Best in the BUSINESS!“ McGregor wrote in a 2013 social media post. Milligan’s drive to stand out in the profession also impressed Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Why Arnold Schwarzenegger admires his girlfriend

When Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Heather Milligan for treatment, she didn’t just impress him with her physiotherapy prowess. Schwarzenegger saw her drive to improve her craft. Just like the bodybuilding who relentlessly pursued perfection in his sport of choice, Milligan did the same with his profession. Arnie acknowledged it during an interview with PEOPLE.

“I think the world of her. I love that she’s into working. She’s clearly independent. She just is driven as hell,” Arnold Schwarzenegger told the publication. The Elite Orthosport founder has helped athletes from various sports like boxing, MMA, NFL, NBA, MLB, tennis, and more. She also strives to stay updated on the latest advancements in physiotherapy. Besides treating Arnold Schwarzenegger and McGregor, Milligan continues to hone her skills.

However, the 49-year-old also has an edge over many other physical therapists. Just like partner Arnold Schwarzenegger, Milligan was also a sportsperson. She was a gymnast who knows exactly how an athlete feels when they get injured. The former sportsperson approaches her profession from a unique perspective.

Maybe this is why she has been so successful in helping people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Conor McGregor. While the 35-year-old former UFC champion has yet to step into the octagon since recovering from his leg injury, he has starred in the remake of the cult classic Road House. However, McGregor will return to the UFC on June 29th at UFC 303.