It's been almost 11 weeks since my knee injury. Since getting the MRI results of an ACL rupture, I decided to see a different Orthopedic doctor for a second opinion. He just so happens to be an avid snowboarder, which is right up my alley. In fact this Dr. works with mainly athletes from basketball players, rock climbers, martial artists, to skiers. Just the person I needed for this.
Today he tested the laxity in both of my knees for the second time with an Arthrometer. Apparently the torn ACL does have a slightly higher degree in laxity, however, not a huge difference compared to the typical tear. He attributes this to the kettlebell training I continued to do throughout the whole process.
I showed him a few kettlebell exercises I was doing along with the full range of motion squats I've been working on. He was impressed that I was able to do as much as I could and encouraged me to keep doing it. We discussed how important it is for me to be able to snowboard and safely start Krav Maga again. After some deep discussion of all the possibilities, we made an educated decision together that concludes with no surgery at this point in my life. This doesn't mean I can go out and do anything I want, since I still have a tear. No pistols for quite some time. If I had the surgery, no pistols for at least 6-12 months anyway. Kettlebell training, body weight/ stability exercises, and the TRX has been my savior. I have also had some help along the way with my friend Elise who specializes in M.A.T. (Muscle Activation Technique). This has been such an amazing combination for rehabilitation.
Time will only tell of what the future may hold. For now I'm just enjoying all the things my body is slowly allowing me to do. I want to make you fully aware that I never did any exercise or workout that caused me pain or could potentially make it worse. I only focused on exercises that felt good during and after. If something felt wrong or I felt a little twinge of pain, immediately I stopped and found something that felt good. I don't believe in working through pain. Your body is giving you a signal that something is wrong.
Naturally I am very excited to know that I am not facing surgery right now. I'm even more excited because I have been given the green light to snowboard this season! I have come to terms that I need to be more careful, however, I really do feel lucky right now. I feel the need to celebrate!
(To read about how the injury happened here is the post)
Today he tested the laxity in both of my knees for the second time with an Arthrometer. Apparently the torn ACL does have a slightly higher degree in laxity, however, not a huge difference compared to the typical tear. He attributes this to the kettlebell training I continued to do throughout the whole process.
I showed him a few kettlebell exercises I was doing along with the full range of motion squats I've been working on. He was impressed that I was able to do as much as I could and encouraged me to keep doing it. We discussed how important it is for me to be able to snowboard and safely start Krav Maga again. After some deep discussion of all the possibilities, we made an educated decision together that concludes with no surgery at this point in my life. This doesn't mean I can go out and do anything I want, since I still have a tear. No pistols for quite some time. If I had the surgery, no pistols for at least 6-12 months anyway. Kettlebell training, body weight/ stability exercises, and the TRX has been my savior. I have also had some help along the way with my friend Elise who specializes in M.A.T. (Muscle Activation Technique). This has been such an amazing combination for rehabilitation.
Time will only tell of what the future may hold. For now I'm just enjoying all the things my body is slowly allowing me to do. I want to make you fully aware that I never did any exercise or workout that caused me pain or could potentially make it worse. I only focused on exercises that felt good during and after. If something felt wrong or I felt a little twinge of pain, immediately I stopped and found something that felt good. I don't believe in working through pain. Your body is giving you a signal that something is wrong.
Naturally I am very excited to know that I am not facing surgery right now. I'm even more excited because I have been given the green light to snowboard this season! I have come to terms that I need to be more careful, however, I really do feel lucky right now. I feel the need to celebrate!
(To read about how the injury happened here is the post)
Comments
Thank you so much. Yes I do feel listening to the body is the key ingredient for safety and recovery. No tear is the same and no body is the same. I appreciate you pointing that out and your enthusiasm about the outcome. I look forward to gradually rehabilitating myself and hopefully get the strength back in my legs I once had. ;-)
I tore my ACL several years ago, had reconstructive surgery and it was a difficult recovery but I was determined to get myself back to my starting point. I do think those of us who already see fitness as a huge priority have an easier time.
I ran a 5k 3 months after surgery just to prove to myself I could. I haven't lloked beck since!
I wish you the best!
KB's and the TRX are my heroes as well.
Happy Sunday!
So glad to hear you are doing well. I've had knee issues myself the last six months but no where as bad as your injury. No rush but I wanted to ask what you had decided to do about volume 3? The holidays will be here before long. Just wanted to know if I needed to put it on my wishlist!
Yes I did decide to go through with the filming of Volume 3. If all goes to plan it should be out before Christmas. ;-)
We are in the final editing stages, but still have quite a bit more work to do.
So sorry to hear about the torn ACL, but glad to hear of your progress and that you are comfortable with your current course of action.
I'm 6 weeks post-op for my own ACL reconstruction (I tore the meniscus too). In the end, I decided to have the surgery for two reasons: 1) so I could return to lacrosse, Crossfit, heavy lifting, etc. without having to think about the knee or wear a brace, and 2) so I could stave off arthritic changes in the knee when the ACL is missing and the meniscus is forced to take more of the load in stabilizing the knee.
I have seen your blog before and your training materials and advice are awesome. Question for you - what KB exercises have you been doing/are you allowed to do with the torn ACL? I had started doing some swings again the last couple of weeks, but my physical therapist recommended against them as he thought they might place too much stress on the ACL graft. Besides seated presses, what else are you able to do?
Thanks and Best of Luck with your continued recovery.
Josette