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!
