Hi Beth,
I just had ACL reconstruction surgery (hamstring graft) after an injury I sustained at Salmon Creek about two months ago. I know I’m looking at a long recovery, and a long time out of the water, but are there specific exercises I can be doing to increase my rate of recovery? How about surf-specific exercises? Should I pursue wearing a brace for my return to the water? Anyway, any information about this bummer of an injury you could pass my way would be great.
Mahalo,
Jamie
ANSWER:
Hey Jamie,
Sounds like you are doing the right thing with a good PT. Keep strengthening those muscles surrounding the knee but do it carefully! The problem I used to see in PT with eager athletes was they were super eager and pushed it too far. This resulted in unnecessary pains and inflammations. As for when you can surf, I have to say that you need to listen to your PT and doc. They know best and know the integrity of the joint, the new graft, and the strength of your “borrowed” hamstring. YOU may feel physically ready but the whole joint may say no way!
As for now, you can definitely keep your upper body and trunk in shape by lifting weights and doing sit-ups. It may get boring but it is better than nothing and a great way to keep your surfing muscles strong. Not to mention a great time to work on strengthening muscles, which get ignored while surfing. Take some time to stretch out the whole body while you are at it. It will definitely help your recovery.
Get in the pool as soon as the doc or PT gives you the a-okay. Swimming is not only great fitness for surfing but water also helps with the swelling in the knee. Water running is also a great alternative for conditioning and helps increase flexibility of the joint. (That is, of course, once you are allowed to add some leg exercises).
As for a brace, it’s not a bad idea when the time comes for you to surf. A brace gives some stability- but more important- it reminds you that you are injured and need to be careful. It is not just the act of surfing that could hurt your knee. It is also walking out, duck diving, unknown hazards (much of surfing!), cutbacks, etc.
Be safe, smart, and remember that it is better to let the knee heal 100% and avoid any setbacks. You don’t want to have to go through this again!
Hasta,
Beth
(Posted 6/21/04)
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