What tapes are best to do post ACL injury w/o surgery?

[Yellowbeebug]

Hi Cathe,
This is the first time I have visited your website - I'm overwhelmed w/ so much great info! I just read about your recent injury - so I am VERY sorry to hear about that :-( , but thrilled of your progression

I watch your show on FIT TV, and love stretch Max shows. I have tried some core max as well. I am 11 months post ACL injury (according to MRI results - full rupture.) After my injury I could hardly walk, severe instability for first 3 days, and I lost a lot of ROM. I did 2 months of rehab and at the amazement of my PT and Ortho, I regained my ROM, most of my strength, and stability. My desire and prayer was not to have that reconstructive surgery. So, far - so good! I am now back to working out (not just my rehab stuff) I walked 2 miles and then biked 5 miles afterwards yesterday - a new milestone! Each milestone is such a joy and celebration now! My question is what would you advice is best to try out w/ your fitness tapes? I dream of getting to your level on the step - but I am being realistic and I listen to my body. I have no problems stepping - but obviously pivoting, hopping, etc is something I avoid. I can rollerblade (w/ my Don Joy brace) - so I am definitely active.

I have never posted anything on a forum - but after reading that you have been through the ACL experience in your past and the progress you made - I just would love your input and personal experience if you don't mind sharing. This has been a true battle - but I have learned my own strength (mentally and physical) and I feel Blessed to be able to walk around again and not have pain all the time.

Thank you for your inspiration. Cheers...

 

[Repo]

According to the athletic trainer I stretched my ALC this spring...I was given exercises to do and told to try to walk as normal as possible...It took me 2 months to work back up to both stepping and running...and I've just now started back on heavy weights...I still have some weakness on some step moves and kickboxing(side kicks)...I'll keep you in my prayers about not having to have surgery...Good luck.

 

[Yellowbeebug]

RE: What tapes are best to do post ACL injury w/o surge...

Hi there - thank you for replying! I am sorry about your stretched ACL - that can take months to get back to normal - even just walking normal. Best wishes in your recovery and thank you for your prayers!
I ordered Cathe's Basic Step (I think that was the title) from my library today because I thought maybe that might be one I can do. I want to give it a try at least. Thanks and take care,
Bee

 

[Stebby]

RE: What tapes are best to do post ACL injury w/o surge...

Hi Bee,

I thought I'd share my experience with you. I completely ruptured my left ACL in 1993 (skiing accident) and worked back up to doing heavy weights. In the mid-90s I started doing FIRM videos with leg presses on a 14" step and found I had some limitation in how much weight I could lift (as I recall I couldn't do more than about 35 lbs), but if I used my brace I could go about 10 lbs heavier. In spite of lifting as heavy I could with my left leg and not going too much heavier with my right, my left leg continued to shrink compared to my right leg and by about 1998 my left thigh was about 2" less in circumference than the right one. In the meantime, I continued to ski in the winter (usually without a brace, which was probably dumb of me but it was way more comfortable and I had no problems) and do my usual activities with very few problems. I am also a part-time group exercise instructor and I didn't have to curtail that in any way.

I eventually did end up having a reconstruction in 1999. That decision was based on a number of little things over the years -- I found that if I stepped off the curb funny, or climbed into or out of a car at not quite the right angle, my knee would twinge and I was getting worried about accidentally damaging other structures in my knee through some fluky accident. Each time I had one of these little twists, I would have a bit more pain and it would last a bit longer. Anyway, I had a rough few months after the surgery (seemed like I was spending all my time doing rehab!), but at the one-year mark I was much better, and by two years post surgery I was really good. Now, 7 years later, I am completely back to normal. I have the same strength and range of motion in both legs. Looking back, I am glad I had the surgery, but I am also sure that if I hadn't chosen to have the surgery, my quality of life would still be fine (I probably would have started to use my leg brace more often though).

Anyway, good luck with your strengthening program and I hope everything works out for you.

Stebby

 

[Yellowbeebug]

RE: What tapes are best to do post ACL injury w/o surge...

Hi Stebby,
Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to share your experience! It is very helpful for me to see what others have gone through and their decisions. I'm am glad you are fully recovered and have the surgery behind you. I'll take it one day at a time and I'm grateful for all the healing I have been Blessed with thus far.
I never thought about my legs being different sizes - so after I read this, I went and measured my leg! Luckily, they are both the same size - and actually the injured leg has much more definition than the other - I'm working on evening my legs out.
Anyway - thank you so much for your time and story. Best to you...
Bee