Snowboarding After ACL Surgery

Hey man I just wanted your opinion being that you re-tore your acl. I had surgery July 26th 2012 and I have a snowboarding trip jan 10 2013. That would be 24 weeks exactly from surgery. Right now my knee is feeling preety good strength is coming back and I have been doing light joggin for a few weeks now. My surgen says with the ACL protective brace I should have any problems or risk re-tear it. But my rehab guy says wait 8 months to a year. Just wanted your take on what I should do and how did ur knee feel right before you retore it??? Was it 100% or did it still feel not quite right. Thanks so much for your time I look Forward to hearing from you thanks

After my first surgery I was on skis 4 months post op without issue and then re-tore it playing soccer 8 months post op. 

So my knee felt good but I had not been rehabbing enough to return to a cutting sport. 

If you are a confident snowboarder and certain you wont be dumb and do anything stupid and most importantly your surgeon has cleared you than it sounds like you might be in good shape to take it slow. (note - after my second surgery I was knew I would be dumb and refused to ski for a full year to protect my knee)

Snowboarding After ACL Surgery

Hey man I just wanted your opinion being that you re-tore your acl. I had surgery July 26th 2012 and I have a snowboarding trip jan 10 2013. That would be 24 weeks exactly from surgery. Right now my knee is feeling preety good strength is coming back and I have been doing light joggin for a few weeks now. My surgen says with the ACL protective brace I should have any problems or risk re-tear it. But my rehab guy says wait 8 months to a year. Just wanted your take on what I should do and how did ur knee feel right before you retore it??? Was it 100% or did it still feel not quite right. Thanks so much for your time I look Forward to hearing from you thanks

After my first surgery I was on skis 4 months post op without issue and then re-tore it playing soccer 8 months post op. 

So my knee felt good but I had not been rehabbing enough to return to a cutting sport. 

If you are a confident snowboarder and certain you wont be dumb and do anything stupid and most importantly your surgeon has cleared you than it sounds like you might be in good shape to take it slow. (note - after my second surgery I was knew I would be dumb and refused to ski for a full year to protect my knee)

Playing Soccer After ACL Surgery

I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog and the different little things in it. I am into my 4th week post ACL surgery now and been progressing pretty well.

My main question is about your re-tear the first time on returning to soccer at 8 months. I was told around the same timeline from my therapists. About 6-8 months returning to play pick-up and then ease back into competitive soccer.

I noticed you mentioned about being cleared to return at 8 months. What was the reason for your re-tear, I mean any particular part of the rehab not done well ? or just a return to competitive sport without pick-up ?

Just keen to know so I don't face the same issue. I am gutted to be out of soccer for 8 months and am clearly looking to return asap.

(this guy is pretty amazing - both juggling skills and moving around after ACL surgery!)

My main mistake when I returned to soccer was that I did not return slowly and build up to competitive level. 

I had just finished University and so had spent a couple months studying for finals...once they were over and I was at my new job I went out and played competitive soccer which ended up in me tearing my ACL. 

So I think you have a great approach to start slow and take it easy until you get confident. 

How To Improve Range of Motion After Knee Surgery

 I had ACL reconstructive surgery 9 weeks ago. I have had a really hard time with Flexion...I had to have my quad pushed aside because the initial clamp did not want to take to my bone, so a screw and washer had to be put on. Due to this I had a Charley Horse in my quad for the first three weeks making it nearly impossible to get any bend. So at 9 weeks I am only at 90 degrees. I do my therapy at home, I work my butt off at PT and yet I'm not getting anywhere. I do the heel slides, the quad sets, the bicycle, the hamstring curls, I even have my fiance pushing to get extra degrees. IS there ANYTHING else I can do?? The doctors are saying I may have to go back under and do manipulation... Thank you!

If you still have any swelling in the knee than I recommend trying this method out... http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/21/knee-swelling-after-surgery-my-number-1-tip-to-reduce-swelling/ 

Here are some exercises which it sounds like you are already doing but if not maybe these can help...  

The final tip is a little expensive but it can help with the blood circulation to get better range of motion. You can see it here...http://bit.ly/HIckLr

Hopefully one of these helps. Sorry to hear you have been struggling, if there is anything I can do to help let me know.

ACL Reconstruction after Soccer Injury

I'm so extremely happy to find  this site. I’m a junior in highschool. I play soccer at a VERY competitive level for club & play for my highschool. I tore my ACL this July on the 15th. I am still waiting to schedule my knee surgery *sigh* & have been doing physical therapy and working at the gym. PT just stopped my sessions because I have full range of motion & my strength back. I guess my question is… What is the best graft for me? I’m 95 lbs 5ft tall, speedy & very aggressive outside mid.. I tore my ACL by just simply crossing. I’m leaning towards patellar but I’ve heard about knee pain many years after surgery. I want to continue to play & be active my whole life.

Sorry to hear about you tearing your ACL! I know it can be pretty terrible. 

Sounds like you are doing everything right. 

As far as Pettella vs Hamstring vs Cadaver I dont have a strong opinion or any big insight. From everything I have seen the stats all seem to be about the same as far as long term recovery, Cadaver seems to be able to get people back a little quicker. 

My only piece of advise with that question is its really up to you and your surgeon, if your surgeon does 95% of his surgeries with a hamstring graft than I would suggest you go with what he is most experienced with. 

http://aclreconstructionsurgery.org/

Riding A Horse After ACL Surgery

Here is a thank you email from someone who has recovered well from their ACL surgery. 

Good afternoon, I had my acl in September 2011, falls off his horse in a jumping race. I am 45 years old, I'm a marathon runner, sports practice every day, I had an operation after making the magnetic resonance ie four weeks after the fall. I felt no pain after the operation, I was five weeks on crutches. I started physical therapy immediately for six months and did two hours a day. Eleven months ago today I had surgery, my goal is to run a half marathon, however, has not run more than five kilometers. I still have difficulties and little confidence to increase the pace. I Do five times a week 40 minutes of cycling, and weight and also swimming. Reading your story helped me a lot and all the advice you wrote.

After three months I was riding horse again today already participate in championships without feeling any pain. I'm strengthening my leg daily.

Thank you for helping me without you even know that your blog has been a great help to my torn ACL.

Improving Speed After ACL Surgery

I tore my right ACl February 20th 2012 and got cadaver surgery April 5th, 2012.  In that time, I either ran every day or did a leg workout at the gym to try to strengthen my legs as much as possible.  I genetically have chicken legs which sucks so its definitely a struggle haha.  I didn't get into physical therapy until 2 1/2 weeks after surgery (stupid insurance issues.  I am a college kid living 6 hours from home in a dorm and just got surgery and I did not have a car so I had to rely on my friends from school...was the most stressful 3 months of my life from dealing with doctors ands insurance paperwork to waking up in the morning and not having a clue how I would get to pt that day).   I am now 4 1/2 months out of surgery.  I do simulated squats, lunges, leg press, run  below a 7 min mile and a bunch of agility work for my rehab.  I am at 125 degree flexion and 2 degrees on extension (I am literally the least flexible person you will ever meet so I may never get full extension again.  I've had yoga teaches tell me they have never seen a person as tight as me before)  I am seeing big gains in my leg strength week to week, but I feel my sprint speed is lagging in coming back.  Any suggestions on what I could do and what should I expect in the next month or two?  Does my recovery sound normal, behind, just the same as others?  I appreciate what you do, once I meet someone who also tore their acl, I feel I have an instant connection. 

I can definitely relate to recovering from ACL surgery at school. I was taking the bus to physio for my first surgery while at school. The worst was having to sit at the front of the class(because I couldn't walk up the stairs) and staying focused vs daydreaming at the back. 

You recovery sounds like it is coming along well. Speed seemed slow to return for me as well. I think we do so many slow speed strength exercises for a few months that we loose some fast twitch muscle. Olympic lifting(done correctly) can really help with that as well as sprints with resistance(running in the sand) - see more here.

Best of luck with your recovery!

First Weeks After ACL Surgery

Thank you for information you sent me! I am almost 4 weeks after ACL Surgery, and I still have pain, especially when I'm resting. The first night after the surgery, I took painkillers every 2 hours. The nurse who was taking care of me, was very nice, and she told me to call her any time I feel a little pain. She told me from the beginning to don't wait until the pain is too high. I took painkillers few more days after I left the hospital, and that's all.

I started the recovery next day using crutches after the surgery and now I am doing my exercises every day under a kinetic therapist supervisor. I don't have pain when I walk, or when I'm doing my exercises but I have pain when I'm lying in the bed. How long will stay with me this pain? Also, I still cannot do full extension of the leg. When I tried to do some extra extensions I herd a pop in the back of my knee and for the first minutes I felt relieved, with more mobility in my knee, but after that I felt a pain for 3 days, so now I'm afraid to stretching  my leg. My therapist says that probably is just a stretching that will go away in few days. But I'm wondering if there will be more pops in my knee until I'll be able to reach full extension?

How long will you be in pain - Typically the worst pain is in the first 1-2 weeks but then pain can last as long as a few months

Pops in your knee - Dont try and "pop" your knee, this could be your hamstring or meniscus but I dont recommend poping your knee

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/05/crutches-after-acl-surgery/

Lose Weight After ACL Surgery

Right now my biggest fear is putting on weight cause i cant exercise. Before surgery my fear was the actual surgery & the pain after it, hadn't had any surgery before. But in reality it wasnt too bad.

That is a very common concern and understandable!

Everyone is different but there are a few things you can do to help minimize/eliminate any weight gain. 

The single biggest tip for me that I learned from my first surgery is to get rid of all bad, easy to snack on food and pre-make some healthy food. I knew that when I was imople around the house I would snack on food and whatever was the closest I would grab. Through out the chips, ice cream, crackers even granola bars and instead keep around carrots, apples other fruit and pre-maid healthy small portioned meals. 

Good luck with the recovery!

Here is where I wrote about how much weight I gained/lost after ACL surgery.

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/06/4-weeks-after-acl-surgery-quad-atrophy-and-lost-weight/

Strong Knee Exercise

Have you wondered how to make your knee stronger? There are several knee strengthening exercises you can be doing before ACL surgery and after ACL surgery which will help in your recovery.

For me I went with a hamstring graft. There is virtually no long term success difference between the grafts Hamstring, Patella or Cadaver. The Cadaver graft recovers a little quicker initially but they all are about the same. 

For me the more important question was what my Surgeon was more comfortable with, if I had a surgeon who had done 90% of his ACL surgeries with a Patella I would go with it, even though it would be my 3rd choice all other things being equal. 

Good luck with your surgery and recovery.

This is the typical question I receive on the topic of ACL surgery and what is the strongest option.

Did they take a tendon, if so which one? OR  Was it the patella ligament?  OR an allograft (from ACL of cadaver) ?

I am wondering if you have any knowledge or can refer me to any research on which is more successful for a woman like me,

p.ed teacher, 48 years old... I would like to know more... thought you might know more about this given what you have experienced.

Knee Range of Motion Exercises

Hi there! I had my ACL surgery 3 weeks ago (a meniscal repair as well) and as a result have been in a straight leg brace for 4 weeks so as to let the stitches in my meniscus heal. I have only been bending my leg up to 30 degrees to avoid them coming out as well. My question is, I still have some weird numbness around my knee area and when I asked the doctor about it, he said that there is a nerve that runs almost across the knee that is often disrupted when they make the incision for the arthroscopic surgery. Will this numbness go away in time?? It's not permanent is it??  Also, I had no choice but to not be bending my leg bc of the meniscal repair, but I'm so scared that the result will be limited mobility down the road bc I haven't been able to work on range of motion and won't be starting PT for a couple weeks. As long as when the doctor gives me the green light to start all that and I DO IT, will I eventually be able to increase mobility to 100% as long as I work at it?

Thanks for the question. For me the numbness did go away I had it for a few months. 

Getting your range of motion back can definitely be a challenge. Here are 5 great exercises that could help you once you are able to start them according to you PT...

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/23/top-5-knee-range-of-motion-exercises-to-do-during-acl-surgery-recovery/ 

ACL Range of Motion Exercises

To start off, I just want to say a big thank you for doing this website.  It has given me all the info i need and confidence with my ACL op.  I had my ACL reconstruction last Monday, so im just up to a week and i have been following your Exercises, and i have seen some good results already!  Are you going to continue uploading the exercises past week 3?  I went to see a physio 4 days after my operation, i have nearly got full extension, and i had 112 degrees flexion, does this sound ok?

Full extension already! That is very impressive. What range of motion exercises have you found the most helpful. 

Regarding the exercises past week 3, unfortunately I intended to upload them but once I returned to work after ACl surgery I didn't really have time. In the future I am looking to make a complete ACL surgery recovery at home exercise program...would you find value in something like this?

Based on your recovery rate so far I can suggest that you see a physio who doesn't do the standard bike, stretch, ultrasound, ice routine...you know the physio where you feel like a meat patty at McDonalds!

Here is a great video of George St Pierre doing some incredible exercises at the 3 month mark. 

 

ACl Reconstruction Fears

If you are afraid of having ACL surgery here is some advice on how to handle ACL reconstruction recovery fears...

 I had an ACL surgery on 2012-02-21. It's been 2 weeks today exactly! Everything has been going quite well for me up until now. The rehab seems like a very long journey though...You must have been through a lot of pain having gone through 2 ACL surgeries. You are brave!

 

 To answer your questions, my  2 biggest fear are the following:

 

1. To re-injure it again. To be honest, I don't want to go through the same thing you did. However, just like you with soccer, I have a burning desire to go back wreslting and jiu jitsu. The sad thing is I know those sporst are very dangerous for the knees. I know I will never be the same because of my injury. I am 28 years old and I never really had any major injury until I tore my ACL. Before that, I had that feeling of being invincible. Now, I might be scared to do many things from now on...

 

2. My other concern is for the screws that were put in my knee to hold my new ligament. I am afraid over time it might wear and cause me some problem...

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/08/7-acl-reconstruction-recovery-fears/

ACL Surgery Recovery Fears

I just wanted to send you a quick note saying thanks for downloading my guide, hopefully it can help you recover quickly from ACL surgery!

Whether you are about to have ACL surgery or recently had it its definitely a tough time. I understand having had 2 ACL surgeries. For me, my biggest fear is how active I will be able to be in sports and activities with my family as I get older. This fear is one that has really driven me to try and recover as strongly as possible and prevent more injuries.

What about you...

So my question to you is what are your biggest concerns, fears and problems you have regarding your ACL surgery and recovery? 

Please respond to this email to let me know. The more feedback I get the better I can try to help you and everyone who visits ACLSurgeryRecovery.net

Soccer After ACL Surgery

I had surgery about 19 weeks ago after tearing my ACL playing soccer. Ive done great in therapy and have experienced little trouble with running and jumping. I am a senior in high school and the last week of the season will be when I am 22 months, 2 weeks short of what my doctor gave me for returning to soccer. I have been doing light drills and participating in no contact scrimmages and I really hope to be able to make a return for the last few games. Im planning on asking my doctor about it in a few weeks but I was just wondering what you would recommend since you are very knowledgable in this subject.

To get some ACl surgery recovery exercises click here

You probably aren't going to like my answer but the pure cost/benefit of the potential of re-tearing it does not make it worth it in my mind. I rushed back to playing competitive soccer when I started a new job in a new city and was looking to have some fun at a sport i enjoy and after being asked to play I rushed back to playing an re-tore my ACL. It sounds like you are doing all the right things to be ready to play and that is great but rushing in to play 1 game I dont think is worth it. Take your time and then you can enjoy playing soccer in leagues for years to come! 

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/acl-surgery-exercises/

Biking After ACL Surgery

 
A week to go before surgery and thanks for the tip. Will all your tips arrive pre-surgery?
 
I am looking at getting an exercise bike before/after surgery and from a looks point of view would prefer a spinning bike as opposed to a magnetic control exercise bike. Have you had any experience of how the different postures for each affects the knees please?
 
Many thanks

A bike is excellent! I biked after ACL surgery a lot to recover.

Regarding spin vs magnetic...I think for the very first week a recliner magnetic bike would be better because its easier to get in and out of but for the long run I think a spin bike is probably the best. 

I think the only thing with a spin bike to be careful of is the spinning inertia...you know when you are spinning and then try to stop quickly without using the break it can cause some strange forces on the leg. I dont think it would be a problem but I am just trying to think of what might cause you some problems.

Here is a bike I used at my physios in the first few weeks and it was great it looks like its 50% off at Amazon right now...Spin Bike

Good luck with the surgery....the emails are spread out at about one every few days. 

<img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=ourgolrad-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002CVU2HG" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

ACl Tear - Question About Vacation

hello ive recently tore my acl (jan 14th complete ACL Tear)and just was on the web searching trying to get a feel of what im about to go through and ive been reading your stuff religiously thanks for your page!

So i  have consultation with surgeon on Wednesday i was wondering what kind of question should i ask? Also i was wondering what kind of condition u r in around the 10 week mark if you r dedicated to rehab? i was wondering if i should cancel a trip i had planned if ill just be limping around the whole time. Thanks for your time and im sure youll be hearing from me through this whole rehab process.

Thanks for the question.

Luckily your questions are somewhat common and I have answers for them...

1. Questions for your surgeon...

Here is my advice on how to pick the right surgeon...http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/14/acl-knee-surgery/

2. Should you cancel the trip?

At 11 weeks you will likely be able to walk but not run so if you can enjoy the trip and not put your knee at more risk by walking than by all means go ahead. If you think you will be pushing your knee a lot ie on it 8 hrs a day on a walking tour of an old city than its a problem. Or if you think you will be putting your knee at risk, drinking a lot at a beach you may want to re-consider. However, if you are going to be going on a casual vacation and not require much walking or do any dancing than you will probably be ok.

Here is where I was at 12 weeks after surgery...http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/06/recovering-from-acl-surgery-3-month-rehab-progress-update/

Let me know how it goes with the surgeon.

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/28/acl-tear/

Skiing After ACL Surgery

since that time, i did a ski season last year i skii'd a bit by the end of the season i went too hard on a powder day and my knee swelled up, my surgen said he didnt know if there was a problem and i should wait and see what happenes before i choose to be operated on again.

Skiing After ACL Surgery

I skii'd for the first time this season and my knee swelled up again, what id like to know is if i have a re-tair or its just a bitof water or if its just the miniscus that is the problem now, ive been in pretty much no pain and ave recovered very well in the time since the operation, but will i be able to ski this season, or will i just swell up every time i go for a ski?

Is it normal to swell up when i go too hard on my knee every now and then it dosent really hurt , its just a bit swollen

Tore ACL Playing Soccer

I am a huge fan of your blog.  I tore my acl/mcl about 8 months ago, 7 months post operation.  I feel better month to month, but just not there yet.  You mentioned you came back to early to soccer.  Is there a few things i could do to really know when i am ready to play competitive again?  After doing this once i dont want to do it again.

Tore ACL Playing Soccer

Playing soccer after ACL surgery is something that a lot of people going through ACL surgery are really interested in coming back from. The important thing to remember is START SLOW. If you are returning to soccer or any activity after surgery make sure to start slow and build up to full speed.

Supplement for Knee Pain

One of ACL Surgery Recovery's readers just send me an email describing his successful ACL surgery. 

What makes his story very interesting is that his knee has some "experience" 58 years worth. I am often getting asked to share stories and timelines for people that are not in their athletic prime and Teds is a great story. 

His "secret" was taking Flexcin Load Up Formula before and after the surgery. 

Read his full story HERE

Thanks

Jon Haver

Read Ted's full story...

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/14/supplement-for-knee-joint-pain/

Re-Tore ACL? Do This ACL Test

Im one year like you also I know cause I got my surgery last December 3, 2010. I know yours was around that time I was like a week ahead of your day surgery. Neways I just wanna update you on my knee. Since I've change hospital insurance Im now under the care of kaiser permanente another hospital here. My new doctor saw how my knee would move forward if pulled from under knee and diagnosed it even when I flex my lower leg it moves . She told me that it don't look right and I may have re-torn my Acl or over stretch it. Well my doctor from the other hospital diagnose it long time ago and had told me that its suppose to move like that and will get stronger later throughout the year. My question is does it suppose to that? I think I've mentioned to you this before when I was like 4 months in my post surgery. Anyways Happy Holidays brother hope your knee is doing fine.

If you think you re-tore your ACL you can do this test to have a quick check and see if it is in "loose" - ACL Test

Here is a video explaining the ACL test....

Pain After ACL Surgery

How much pain will I be in after ACL surgery?

Recovering from pain after acl surgery is one of the most common concerns people have with surgery. Here is a question from a reader and the answer I provided is located here

I am a 50 year old woman and I have a complete tear of my ACL, partial tear PCL and a menicus tear.  They will be using  a petella cadvar because of my age.  I will be an outpatient and my husband will be with me the first day.  After that I will be on my own.  I read your blog but cannot tell if you were able to move without assistance on day 2.  My concern is my ability to get myself up from the couch and to the bathroom throughout the day while my husband and son are at work.  Is it possible to do on your own.  I am concerned with the pain upon standing.  I will also have a brace which you did not.  How was your movement on day 2 assisted?  I am a biker and have strong legs but since the accident almost a year ago I have not done much biking.  I did go yesterday for a short distance and my whole leg aches so now I am concerned about my strength in that leg also.  I have obviously lost some muscule.  Please let me know how bad the pain was upon standing the second and for that matter the 3rd day.

http://www.aclsurgeryrecovery.net/10/acl-surgery-pain-management-2-week-update/