My ACL Tear and Recovery
Seven Months and Counting
Those of you keeping score at home will undoubtedly know today marks seven months since I had ACL reconstruction surgery on my left knee (OK, so maybe I’m the only one keeping score). The knee feels great; I’m running without any hindrance (except the DonJoy knee brace, of course, but that doesn’t get in the way much), and I feel like I’m ready to take anything on. Of course, it’s still early, so I need to take it easy.
That said, snowboarding season is quickly approaching and I plan to be ready. I’ve been working out fairly consistently, trying to get my left quad back to where it was before. It’s still smaller than my right quad, and gets weaker a little faster; I think I’m going to encounter some reduced muscle stamina on the hills this season.
I intend to get my season underway in mid to late December, right before this year’s Tremblant trip. That will put me at about nine months post-surgery. It’s a little early, and I don’t think my surgeon would approve, but I’ve encountered several folks who were more or less fully back in action by then. I’ll probably take it easy for another month after that, until I head to Whistler.
Discussion
6 comments for “Seven Months and Counting”
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Adam,
I too just hit the 7 months mark on Nov. 5th. I’ve actually been cleared by my doctor to return to all activities at my own pace. I’m dying to get on my board and to find out what it feels like. Going to Breckenridge in mid January. Hopefully will test out the knee on the board beginning of Dec in Vermont if it ever gets cold on the east coast. Good luck with everything!
Really! That’s good to hear. Maybe I should talk to your surgeon.
Seriously though, I think my doctors are being extra careful. I’ve talked to several people that have told me what you just did — that seven/eight months is when you can start trying stuff at your own pace.
Thanks for your comment!
–adam
Wow! Great site. I am at seven months post ACL with the hami graft (surgery 4/7/07). I am a bit depressed because I know this season will not be like the others… I have knee pain everyday. Believe me - stretching, cycling, and strength training are rotated every day of the week. Do you have days when you over exert your knee? Last week I played Valley ball in the sand; which involved jumping, diving, and running. The next 2 days I had fluid and soreness in my knee. I feel like I will be able to ride, but on a limited bases.
I’m at least glad to hear you’ve been playing volleyball seven months out! Sorry to hear about the pain.
Do you wear a brace, btw?
To be honest, the hardest I work the knee right now is half an hour of straight-line running on a treadmill at a five/six degree incline, followed by some leg weights and stretching. I haven’t tried a single sport. I’m thinking of starting to ride, followed by a return to ultimate frisbee.
What’s the doctor telling you?
Cheers, and thanks for your comment.
–adam
I use a neoprene brace, although, I would like to get something that provides more protection for riding. Any recommendations?
I am being told to ease into recreational activities, like running/biking… definitely no contact sports. The main focus right now is strengthening my quad. What speed do you run on the treadmill? I find that when running, I am only good for about 15 minutes (1.5 miles).
It is good to hear where others are at in their recovery.
-carter
I use the Donjoy Defiance, you can read about it here:
http://www.highlyobsessed.com/2007/09/03/my-new-knee-brace-donjoy-defiance/
It’s a bit of a shorter model so I could use it while riding. I totally love it.
My main focus is my quad too. Running, stretching, leg presses.. I’m doing between 5.0-5.3 speeds (whatever that means) and trying to move to inclines of 6% to 8%, but it can be tough going.
I’m generally good for 30 minutes at those rates, though the incline needs to be 4 or 5 percent if I’m going that long. I’ll check how FAR I’m actually running tomorrow.
Cheers
-adam