My ACL Tear and Recovery
First Turns With the New ACL (And Mt. St. Louis Moonstone Conditions)
Today was a big day for me: I hit the slopes once again, a little more than eight months after having my ACL surgically reconstructed. It’s been a long eight months, with countless hours spent stretching, weightlifting, running and bending, both at physiotherapy and at home. So, needless to say, I was a little apprehensive leading up to today. I didn’t know quite what to expect, given eight months is a bit early to get back to riding and I hadn’t done much but run in a straight line for the past few months.
I was concerned when, during my first run, I could feel my hamstring tweak every time I went toeside. Given I haven’t been working on my hamstring much aside from lots of stretching, I knew my hamstring could potentially be a problem. After a couple of runs, however, the noise from the hamstring disappeared entirely. From then on, I was hitting jumps and bombing runs - everything felt great. I’m still slightly concerned about the hamstring, though, so I’m going to work on that for the next few weeks.
I also have to give a shout-out to my Donjoy Defiance knee brace, which held up great and required zero adjustments all day long.
Moonstone Conditions
So, where was I today? I headed to Mount St. Louis Moonstone, which was about 70% open and pretty much devoid of people. The conditions were great, and lift lines were nonexistent. Southern Ontario has had a very cold, snowy fall, and the ski areas down here are reaping the benefits of that. The runs were pretty much in mid-season form - Ontario ice and all. 
All in all, it was a great day. And so far, no pain! I’m planning to head back next weekend.
Discussion
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Just wanted to say that I’ve been following your blog since I tore my ACL in September. I’m a snowboarder, wakeboarder, mountain biker, cyclist so its very applicable. Congrats on your first turns, very jealous. Had my surgery Oct 17th, just at the 2 month mark and wishing I could be board ready with all the snow we’ve been getting T.O. Anyways keep up the good work and enjoy the winter, cheers!
Thanks, appreciate the kind words and comments! Good luck with your own recovery.
Cheers
adam
So…how did the knee feel?? Had my second ACL reconstructive surgery at the end of April and I can’t wait to ride again. Surgeon said 9 months but I might just have to cheat…
The knee felt great. It was a little sore after taking a couple of jumps I shouldn’t have taken (mental note for Whistler trip).
Is this the second reconstructive surgery on the SAME knee??
Good luck!!
Cheers,
adam
yeah, same knee…1st time w/ cadaver graft, second time w/ hamstring. Just met w/ physical therapist…she said I had the best quads she’s ever seen but my hamstrings are still too weak…says maybe beginning of March! It’s just killin’ me…hard to hold off, but scary to risk it and got through this a 3rd time. Hope you’re lovin it out there…carve some up for me!
Great site. I am 8 months out of ACL surgery and seem to have hit a plateau. I have been back at karate for a few months but there are still things that are difficult. I am impressed that you are snowboarding at 8 months!
Thanks Michele. I still do have some difficulty on a couple of things — for example, my hamstring and quads are still weaker. But karate for few months?? That sounds like progress to me!
Cheers,
adam
wow, it’s great to read all your comments! i tore my ACl back in November (missed the entire snowboarding season, boo) and am having my surgery in 5 days. How long did it take you to get mobile again? Is it unreasonable to hope to be mountain biking this summer?
Kristin,
Boo indeed!!
If you TAKE IT EASY and PROTECT IT you should have no problems mountain biking. I was MTBing again within a few weeks. Single-track, mind you, but still..
Good luck!
–adam