Post-Operation Rehab 19
September 10th, 2008 kNuke Posted in ACL Surgery Adventure | 2 Comments »
I was approved for another 10 sessions today; I wonder what will happen after that? Do I have to pay full price?
Anyways, today’s session has refreshed my passion for rehab! I started on the bike for about 5 minutes, did 3 consecutive static lunges with a 20-second hold, 1-minute wall squats, and then headed to the basketball court. I did medium-speed shuffles, slow-speed grapevines or kariokis, medium-speed high steps, and jogged a little bit. After that was done, I did some hamstring curls on the medicine ball and got massaged. I didn’t have any of that balancing crap so I wasn’t too winded after the rehab session, but the static lunges and wall squats made me break a sweat.
The exercises on the basketball court just made me feel like an athlete again! I was told that I could do low-weight, high-rep leg presses, deadlifts, and lunges on my non-rehab days.
On a side note, I talked to the PT about all the balancing crap and how it’s killing my desire to rehab. The PT said that the balancing exercises are part of the overall process. It helps get the nervous system back on track and helps with strengthening. If I could give anyone a tip during this ordeal would be to ask questions and let the surgeon, PT, or whoever know how you or your knee feels.
I feel pretty good and I can’t wait for my next session!
September 11th, 2008 at 2:47 am
Your surgery was about 5 weeks before mine, but your rehab seems like lightyears ahead! Of course, I had the mensicus repair as well, so was on crutches for 4 weeks, and then one crutch for another 2 weeks. Just this past Tuesday I saw the surgeon who said I could take off the straight brace and get rid of the one crutch. It was like having the door of my cage opened. I can drive again. The knee is pretty self-limiting though as it gets sore pretty quick if I am out walking around too much.
Rehab at this point is still wall slides, leg lifts, 10 minutes on the bike, etc. We just added stepping up and mini squats, which burned pretty good – but I got through them okay. I’ve got full extension on the knee and flexion is only a few degrees off. My good leg goes to 135 degrees and right now the operated leg can get to 125 – 130 degrees.
I also experienced pain in the good knee after the first day without the brace. I think both legs need rehab. There is also calf tightness – not too bad. The muscles are getting used after 4 weeks of no weightbearing and then another 2 weeks with the brace and one crutch. I wish I was getting massage as part of my PT!
Those balancing exercises are not just about balance, but also challenge all those tiny, twitchy muscles that fire to keep your balance. You need those muscles working REAL well before you start pivoting on that knee.
Stay strong.
September 11th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I remember those tough days… Sounds like you’re doing pretty well though! I like the positive attitude!