Resuming training after knee injury

[Golfingirl]

Hi Cathe!

In early December, my husband slipped on some ice and ended up with a minor ACL tear. The orthopedist just recommended rest, and wearing a knee brace for a while. This treatment worked and my husband is fine now, and he wants to get back to workouts, but he's nervous about re-injuring the knee. He asked me to ask you if you had any advice on what exercises he might start with as far as strengthening his legs. He has plenty of weight lifting experience, and we have access to a fairly well equipped gym (free weights, machines, squat rack, etc.).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Martha

 

[IGTamayo]

Hi Martha,

Not Cathe but a fellow knee sufferer. I had arthroscopic surgery this past October and although my recuperation is still going on, I am finally working out again with weights, bike, treadmill and actually doing pilates on equipment (all provided by the physical therapy facility) as well as working out at home. I know first hand about the fear factor in injuring my knee. After a second opinion and re-vamped PT I am well on my way to doing everything I used to, not to mention that I'm 52. I would suggest physical therapy and have the trainer guage his strength with weight bearing exercise. Some of the exercises that I do are 15 minutes on a bike, calf stretches, left lifts with 10 pound ankle weights, seated leg press with 20 pounds, 15-20 minutes of stretching (feels so good) on pilates equpment and then the PT applies ultrasound and electrical stimulation with ice for about 15 minutes each. So you see, seeing a therapist for an evaulation is my advice so that your hubby will not injure himself. Hope this helps you and I hope your hubby heals soon.

Take care,

Iris

 

[Golfingirl]

Thanks Iris, I'll pass this along to my husband! Good luck with your recuperation!