Torn ACL need some advice

[Shlade]

MRI showed that I have completely torn my ACL, have bruising on the bone, and irritation and whatever other medical terms in my meniscus and

Long story short I'll be seeing doctor very soon and hopefully a surgeon to get this taken care of. From several people I've heard recovery process is anywhere from 4-9 months or longer (I'm in pretty decent shape and young so hopefully recovery will go without a hitch)

I need some advice on exercises I could do to stay active. Last thing I want is to get too comfortable and gain weight and so on.

Has anybody dealt with this before?

[Thaco]

toldja excersize is bad. lazy aint torn my ACL

[Shlade]

Originally posted by Thaco
toldja excersize is bad. lazy aint torn my ACL

Dude, what? Lol

[outsider]

That would be a better question to ask your surgeon. I went to the U of C knee clinic http://www.sportmed.ucalgary.ca/services/orthopaedic-surgeons

The one thing he told me was to never do Leg extensions ever again as they can blow your ACL very easy. The first thing you should do is ask for a prescription for a knee brace. Get it ASAP under any and all of your coverages that allow. This is because once you have had your surgery, most if not all coverage will deny you because the "injury" has already been taken care of with surgery.

Not so much help that you wanted with exercise but, really your be in physio for your leg a few weeks after.

[AndyL]

Go to physio... Get your exercise assignments from them.

Follow their directions and don't overdo it...

[s_havinga]

My surgeon told me to never wear a brace after surgery as your body gets used to the extra support. He was one of the surgeons who worked with the Stampeders so he was all about quick recovery times I have been very happy with my knee since surgery (about 8 years ago) and my diagnosis was pretty much identical to yours.

In my experience the bike became my best friend. good low impact work without putting much stress on the knee. After surgery it really helped with getting mobility back as well.

As for recovery- it depends what you mean. I think I had a week or two off work where I was pretty much parked on the couch. Probably 6-9 months before I was playing hockey again. I found that for years after my surgery I could immediately noticed if I skipped going to the gym for more then 3 days in a row. Everything would feel great and then I would miss a few workouts and my knee would start to get stiff an sore again. This doesn't happen anymore but probably for the first 3-4 years it did.

I played hockey and worked out right up until my surgery, I was basically told to just listen to my body. Definitely had a few time I twisted it funny and would drop like a bag of potatoes and be out for a day or two- fun times...

All round I am glad I got it done. I was only 22 at the time, I cant imagine going through the last 8 years always having to be careful and hope nothing happened to my knee.

Again, listen to your surgeon, this is just my experience.

[Shlade]

Physio will be done and provided. The injury happened at work so it's all covered luckily. Mainly looking to see what other folks did during this.

I'll hopefully be speaking with a surgeon soon to figure out what the game plan is.

[NoPulp]

Just follow the directions of professionals, ask them questions.
I have friends that have had their ACL torn or other significant injuries, a lot of people figure they're professionals or go by what the internet says and end up hurting themselves causing the process to be longer than it needs to be.

[sexualbanana]

Originally posted by s_havinga

In my experience the bike became my best friend. good low impact work without putting much stress on the knee. After surgery it really helped with getting mobility back as well.


Not a doctor, but as someone with chronic knee pain, I'd imagine that all low-impact will be good for you: bikes and swimming are the obvious options. Maybe yoga?

[AndyL]

Elliptical > bike

You won't have ROM at first, possibly won't have stability to do it - and tracking of patella can be way off if there's still inflammation.

Bike you can easily unconsciously compensate for the weak leg (especially with toe clips), leading to an overestimation of ability.

You don't typically bear weight on the bike - with ACL injury you need to build the little muscles all around the knee to compensate without bearing weight that doesn't happen.

Follow physios direction, don't just go on your own.

Do ask about water exercises, that's not one of the usual protocols but can be awesome if appropriate.

[revelations]

I went to see the Flames physio for a PCL issue, some of the ideas are the same for ACL:

- build muscle around the affected area
- low impact training (bike, x-country sky, swim)
- I had to change my jogging style from a heel strike to a mid-forefoot strike to lessen knee impact.
- no braces once you've recovered enough

[wintonyk]

Tore my ACL July 2015 started with physio right away. Prehab will pay off on the back end. Bike was huge as it was the only way for me to get my cardio in (I hate swimming). You will learn all about your Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO). It's the muscle just above the knee on the inside and weakens almost instantly. I used a muscle stim to help reteach me how to activate it.

Surgery was September 2015 for me. I took a total of 3 days plus a weekend... take more. Buy a cryocuff and ice the shit out if it. As long as there isn't much other damage you should be able to put weight on right away (with crutches). Extension extension extension, my default was 5 degree of hyperextension and they wanted that post surgery.

I was jogging after 3 months, running at 6 and playing aussie football again (with tackles at 9). Hockey and snowboarding started for me around the 6 month mark as well (skiing is a bit longer because of the stresses it causes).

Banff Protocol for ACL is probably your best resource.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by wintonyk
Tore my ACL July 2015 started with physio right away. Prehab will pay off on the back end. Bike was huge as it was the only way for me to get my cardio in (I hate swimming). You will learn all about your Vastus Medialis Oblique (VMO). It's the muscle just above the knee on the inside and weakens almost instantly. I used a muscle stim to help reteach me how to activate it.

Surgery was September 2015 for me. I took a total of 3 days plus a weekend... take more. Buy a cryocuff and ice the shit out if it. As long as there isn't much other damage you should be able to put weight on right away (with crutches). Extension extension extension, my default was 5 degree of hyperextension and they wanted that post surgery.

I was jogging after 3 months, running at 6 and playing aussie football again (with tackles at 9). Hockey and snowboarding started for me around the 6 month mark as well (skiing is a bit longer because of the stresses it causes).

Banff Protocol for ACL is probably your best resource.

I've heard good things about the Banff location as well. Since this is all WCB related I'll have to see what my options are for surgery locations

[klumsy_tumbler]

Originally posted by wintonyk
Buy a cryocuff and ice the shit out if it.

This. These things are worth their weight in gold. Keeping the swelling down does WONDERS for pain, ROM, and general healing.

[AndyL]

Originally posted by Shlade


I've heard good things about the Banff location as well. Since this is all WCB related I'll have to see what my options are for surgery locations

Banff has a long wait list. Limited wcb openings (I waited 2yrs for a wcb consult with them). I see they've brought on 5 more surgeons, Dr Heard was awesome - but very strict and very black/white. (We parted ways over weight loss - hard to loose weight, when you spend half the month on crutches or laid-up, because the knee is unstable - however he did significant consults with the surgeon and physio he referred me on to)

Mackenzie - the stamps Orthopaedic surgeon, is one of your more likely options. He seemed to favor the outside AHC procedures... But yeah, you wont have much choice with WCB. It'll be who can have you on the OR table first.

[RickDaTuner]

May I ask how all you guys tore your ACLs?

[AndyL]

Carrying tools on ice was my first - slipped knee went out fully sideways. Done, full MCL, partial ACL significant PCL.

Got butchered by a now retired wcb surgeon, had 2 more surgeries within the year to fix the first. But had become unstable.

Didn't fix until a hop off a pickup bed blew it out again - massive tears of everything but it was strong enough + damaged enough and I'd gotten educated enough - that it got repaired correctly just through physio.

[Seikencube]

I tore my left ACL and lateral meniscus bucket tear 2009 playing competitive basketball back in the high school days. I got a big blow to the knee from an opponent, I tried to jog it out down the court and couple steps after knee gave out and i heard a rip.

I tore my right ACL and lateral meniscus bucket tear in 2011 playing competitive Volleyball during an alumni game. Jumped off the side of the wall to save the ball and landed awkwardly. It was a crucial point but I still regretted it.

Prior to surgery:
Yes Running, Stationary bike with increased levels, squats, lunges and leg press I did before surgery date.

Words of advice: Take the surgery and do not do the patella graft. A couple of my friends had it and has complications with ROM down the road. Listen to your surgeon and be on top of your physiotherapy. It is very important to get your ROM in.

For exercises it really depends on your physiotherapist. Going on the bike or squatting will come in a month or two after. It is more ice rest and flexing your quads and calfs.

Moreover, I recommend LifeMark location near mcloed location. Dr. Timmerman did both my knees and till this day I have no complications what so ever. He did professional MLB players acl's as well. Look up on his bio!

[RickDaTuner]

Originally posted by AndyL
*snip

That just sounds painful Andy, I can imagine doing it once, 3 times... ouch!



Originally posted by Seikencube
*snip

See I ask because the older I get the more I start to see my body starting to hate me, and ACL pain from sports activities is starting to rear it's ugly head.
I should start looking into ACL physio excersises to prevent a tear before it actually happens.

[Seikencube]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner


That just sounds painful Andy, I can imagine doing it once, 3 times... ouch!




See I ask because the older I get the more I start to see my body starting to hate me, and ACL pain from sports activities is starting to rear it's ugly head.
I should start looking into ACL physio excersises to prevent a tear before it actually happens.

If you did not have any major blows to the knee or ligament tears as per say, usually it is just wear and tear of your meniscus that's causing pain as you age. Also genetics can be a factor.

If you are flat footed look into custom made insoles from a professional it helped me a lot and eased the pressure of my knees!

[Shlade]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner
May I ask how all you guys tore your ACLs?
bad footing got the best of me at work. Took a step forward with my right leg, must of put all of my body weight on it, knee hyper extended, heard a loud pop, knee felt like it went out a little and took my leg right out from under me.

Originally posted by AndyL
Carrying tools on ice was my first - slipped knee went out fully sideways. Done, full MCL, partial ACL significant PCL.

Got butchered by a now retired wcb surgeon, had 2 more surgeries within the year to fix the first. But had become unstable.

Didn't fix until a hop off a pickup bed blew it out again - massive tears of everything but it was strong enough + damaged enough and I'd gotten educated enough - that it got repaired correctly just through physio.
That really sucks Andy.


Originally posted by Seikencube
I tore my left ACL and lateral meniscus bucket tear 2009 playing competitive basketball back in the high school days. I got a big blow to the knee from an opponent, I tried to jog it out down the court and couple steps after knee gave out and i heard a rip.

I tore my right ACL and lateral meniscus bucket tear in 2011 playing competitive Volleyball during an alumni game. Jumped off the side of the wall to save the ball and landed awkwardly. It was a crucial point but I still regretted it.

Prior to surgery:
Yes Running, Stationary bike with increased levels, squats, lunges and leg press I did before surgery date.

Words of advice: Take the surgery and do not do the patella graft. A couple of my friends had it and has complications with ROM down the road. Listen to your surgeon and be on top of your physiotherapy. It is very important to get your ROM in.

For exercises it really depends on your physiotherapist. Going on the bike or squatting will come in a month or two after. It is more ice rest and flexing your quads and calfs.

Moreover, I recommend LifeMark location near mcloed location. Dr. Timmerman did both my knees and till this day I have no complications what so ever. He did professional MLB players acl's as well. Look up on his bio!

I've heard hit and miss about the patella graft. Definitely at the gym as much as I can to get strength up doing the biking, lunges and squats and leg press as you've mentioned. I'll keep the lifemark location in mind as well

[AndyL]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner

That just sounds painful Andy, I can imagine doing it once, 3 times... ouch!

Sadly was 3 in a year... There were more to cleanup cartilage chunks from instability years...

Surgery actually wasn't bad (other than the butcher job surgery) usually was up walking around same day. * Don't do that unless told you can *

Butchered one - was the only bad recovery 2-3 weeks before I could do a couch to bathroom hobble without crutches

But one of the cleanups at u of c - dr Bray, they encouraged me to get moving - and I walked 17th from 14st to the ship for a drink and back... Pretty sure the pint wasn't recommended ;)

[RickDaTuner]

Originally posted by Shlade

bad footing got the best of me at work. Took a step forward with my right leg, must of put all of my body weight on it, knee hyper extended, heard a loud pop, knee felt like it went out a little and took my leg right out from under me.



Seem liked it's simple everyday movements that get you.



Originally posted by AndyL


Sadly was 3 in a year... There were more to cleanup cartilage chunks from instability years...

Surgery actually wasn't bad (other than the butcher job surgery) usually was up walking around same day. * Don't do that unless told you can *

Butchered one - was the only bad recovery 2-3 weeks before I could do a couch to bathroom hobble without crutches

But one of the cleanups at u of c - dr Bray, they encouraged me to get moving - and I walked 17th from 14st to the ship for a drink and back... Pretty sure the pint wasn't recommended ;)

Yeah, hope you sued! I can only imagine how that messed with your daily routine.
Glad to hear you recovered fully

[craigcd]

Did mine playing soccer. (ACL only)

Was able to rehab it pretty well and get back to jogging and most activity prior to surgery although i could feel it wasnt right.

Paid for a MRI and I think I was in for surgery within 14 months.

The surgery was pretty easy and the first couple weeks were a bit of a grind but not terrible. Sleeping was the biggest challenge. I took advantage of all the pain killers haha.

After that it was physio, the more I biked the better I felt so that was my focus. I was back to 100% within 6 months- that being said I still avoid indoor soccer and most sports that involve a court.

[Maxt]

I had a torn mcl and pcl from a fall off a mezzanine. I got assigned to the AHS alberta hip and knee clinic. Needless to say that clinic is useless and if you get assigned to that clinic for injury, press your Md for an alternative or go stateside.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by Maxt
I had a torn mcl and pcl from a fall off a mezzanine. I got assigned to the AHS alberta hip and knee clinic. Needless to say that clinic is useless and if you get assigned to that clinic for injury, press your Md for an alternative or go stateside.

Noted

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner
May I ask how all you guys tore your ACLs?

Team Canada tryouts for Aussie Football. Jumped up to catch the ball and landed on a straight leg. It was odd because I didn't swell like 99% of people do. Trying to kick though (injured plant leg) and fell on my face.


I went to the Acute Knee Injury Clinic at UofC was gold for me. Less than 3 months from injury to surgery and so far a flawless surgery (Dr. Rezansoff).

Hamstring graft all the way. Cadaver most likely to reject and patellar weakens the kneecap. I would say the majority of my post surgery pain was from the graft and not the actual acl.

[Power_Of_Rotary]

sorry to break it to you. 4-9 months is for merely recovery. You cannot play any sports for almost a year. You can do physio type exercises pretty much right away. but to be back to normal and active it may be 2 years, but it will never be the same.

I had a bony avulsion connecting to my acl. Luckily my acl was intact... its been over 15 months now and I do training/exercises 4-5 days a week. still not even close to being as good as before. you will always 'feel' it. Doesnt mean pain or discomfort, its almost like a reminder to not fucking fuck up again lol..

sorry im still frustrated by my knee. I dont think I can ever do any competitive thai boxing again :(

[Shlade]

Originally posted by Power_Of_Rotary
sorry to break it to you. 4-9 months is for merely recovery. You cannot play any sports for almost a year. You can do physio type exercises pretty much right away. but to be back to normal and active it may be 2 years, but it will never be the same.

I had a bony avulsion connecting to my acl. Luckily my acl was intact... its been over 15 months now and I do training/exercises 4-5 days a week. still not even close to being as good as before. you will always 'feel' it. Doesnt mean pain or discomfort, its almost like a reminder to not fucking fuck up again lol..

sorry im still frustrated by my knee. I dont think I can ever do any competitive thai boxing again :(

Yeah I've heard the road to recovery is tough. I'm hoping to be back at work in full gear and out and about by 5-6 months. Will likely be placed on some fun desk duties a bit after surgery which is fine. I don't play any sports as is anyways only thing I do is just go to the gym. Will likely take up running a bit to strengthen it and bike as well.

But will take it easy for the first while. I just hope to be riding my motorcycle at least by a few months lol

[Power_Of_Rotary]

Originally posted by Shlade


Yeah I've heard the road to recovery is tough. I'm hoping to be back at work in full gear and out and about by 5-6 months. Will likely be placed on some fun desk duties a bit after surgery which is fine. I don't play any sports as is anyways only thing I do is just go to the gym. Will likely take up running a bit to strengthen it and bike as well.

But will take it easy for the first while. I just hope to be riding my motorcycle at least by a few months lol

You will have no problems riding a motorcycle after 6 months. I was riding after a few months. But again your leg is weak as fuck so dont rely on the injured leg if emergencies happen.

[Shlade]

See a surgeon on Monday at the Repsol centre. Dr. timmerman.

Read some reviews and I see he's hit or miss in regard to how he is... he's a surgeon end of the day so I don't expect him to be a buddy buddy type guy like all of the reviews on him say. We'll see what happens from there.

[Shlade]

Well had my surgery on Thursday. Everything went well, the surgeon is very professional and right to the point. Had it performed at Canadian surgery solutions just on 8th ave NW. Did the patella graft.

First night was fine, first day post surgery was quite rough. On day 2 right now and feel a little better. Starting my physio on Tuesday after I see the surgeon.

All I can say is thank god for pain meds...

[sexualbanana]

Check out the Banff Sports Medicine Centre site. They have a good section focusing on ACL rehab, including good information on their rehab protocol.

Here's the link
http://www.banffsportmed.ca/anterior-cruciate-ligament-reconstruction

[Shlade]

2 weeks post surgery on Thursday.

Rehab seems to be going well. Physio therapist told me I'm ahead of the game already with my progress. The folks at the repsol center (talisman) are amazing and know their stuff.

I've got about a 118 degree bend right now assisted with a strap. Able to walk on my own without the brace or crutches but definitelty limping a little still. Pain is still there and so is the swelling. Hoping both those go down significantly over the next couple weeks.

[ExtraSlow]

Good luck and keep at it man.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Good luck and keep at it man.

Thanks man! Take good care of your knees haha. This is by far the most painful thing I've ever had to do in my life.

Seeing some of the older folks at the physio place who have done full knee replacements (some both at the same time) is unreal. Couldn't imagine the level of pain for something like that.

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by Shlade
2 weeks post surgery on Thursday.

Rehab seems to be going well. Physio therapist told me I'm ahead of the game already with my progress. The folks at the repsol center (talisman) are amazing and know their stuff.

I've got about a 118 degree bend right now assisted with a strap. Able to walk on my own without the brace or crutches but definitelty limping a little still. Pain is still there and so is the swelling. Hoping both those go down significantly over the next couple weeks.

Nice work keep it up. Glad you are having good experience with the physios there. I went through 2 and thought they were useless for me. I would be there for 1.5 hrs and only get 15 minutes of their time. I found that to be a lifemark thing.

How's the straightening? That was the challenge for me. 118 bend is stellar so quickly.

[t_soarer]

Originally posted by klumsy_tumbler


This. These things are worth their weight in gold. Keeping the swelling down does WONDERS for pain, ROM, and general healing.


Can't emphasize this enough...

[Shlade]

Originally posted by wintonyk


Nice work keep it up. Glad you are having good experience with the physios there. I went through 2 and thought they were useless for me. I would be there for 1.5 hrs and only get 15 minutes of their time. I found that to be a lifemark thing.

How's the straightening? That was the challenge for me. 118 bend is stellar so quickly.

Got the straightening thing down first week. Kept hard at it at home. And you're right that seems to be a life mark thing for sure. I'm mostly getting everything done on my own. Just guidance from them as to what I should be doing.

Supposed to start some weight training this week. Hopefully get the quad back to half the size of my other one so they can fit me for a custom brace.

Originally posted by t_soarer



Can't emphasize this enough...

Got one right after I finished surgery. This thing has been a life saver.

[AndyL]

Just be cautious as you're in the phase it's easiest to f*ck it up again... It's easy to push too far because it doesn't hurt but realize it's not fully healed. Probably how mine went to sh*t after surgeries, felt good - kept pushing... Then it didn't.

[Shlade]

Originally posted by AndyL
Just be cautious as you're in the phase it's easiest to f*ck it up again... It's easy to push too far because it doesn't hurt but realize it's not fully healed. Probably how mine went to sh*t after surgeries, felt good - kept pushing... Then it didn't.

Yeah I'll be taking it easy. It's still sore and hurts but not as bad as it was. Hopefully get fitted for a custom brace within the next few weeks soon

[sexualbanana]

Originally posted by wintonyk


Nice work keep it up. Glad you are having good experience with the physios there. I went through 2 and thought they were useless for me. I would be there for 1.5 hrs and only get 15 minutes of their time. I found that to be a lifemark thing.


I generally find a lot of physio to be like that. General course of treatment, in my experience, tends to be...
20 minutes of heat
15 minutes of massage/exercise/stretching
20 minutes of ice
Go home

The only physio that gave a little more attention was Fifth Ave Physio downtown. They seem to understand that people can only disappear from their work for very limited amounts of time. So they give you all the work in like 30 minutes by nixing out the heat and ice unless it's necessary.

If possible, I try to go to athletic therapists. There's a distinction between ATs and physios, and they hate it when you interchange the names.

[wintonyk]

Originally posted by sexualbanana


I generally find a lot of physio to be like that. General course of treatment, in my experience, tends to be...
20 minutes of heat
15 minutes of massage/exercise/stretching
20 minutes of ice
Go home

The only physio that gave a little more attention was Fifth Ave Physio downtown. They seem to understand that people can only disappear from their work for very limited amounts of time. So they give you all the work in like 30 minutes by nixing out the heat and ice unless it's necessary.

If possible, I try to go to athletic therapists. There's a distinction between ATs and physios, and they hate it when you interchange the names.

I guess I have been spoiled in my past physio experiences. Then again I am sure most people only ice/heat/exercise at the clinic and don't take care of themselves at home so its probably proven effective.

I just learned the distinction between physio and AT recently(made the mistake when speaking with an AT).

[Shlade]

I enjoy the heat process before I get into my workout at the clinic and then after I'm done everything the icing process makes it all work while since the knee gets pretty damn swollen.

I ice and heat both at home however very religiously now as part of my day.

I figure since I'm on it already and posting updates I may as well make this a recovery thread and post some pictures here soon to document my recovery.

[Shlade]

https://s24.postimg.org/u8czp1wtt/IMG_0053.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/u8czp1wtt/)
Getting wheeled out post surgery March 23, 2017- went in at about 11am and woke up at 130am. My blood pressure skyrocketed for some reason post surgery so they kept me a bit to monitor me. Got home at about 430pm that day.
https://s24.postimg.org/rsb6b7er5/IMG_0066.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/rsb6b7er5/)
Dressing on the leg. Top one I'm guessing is the incision for the camera?
https://s24.postimg.org/ws8mj5kdt/IMG_0067.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/ws8mj5kdt/)

https://s24.postimg.org/x69yir4hd/IMG_0097.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/x69yir4hd/)

https://s24.postimg.org/gjse9objl/IMG_0098.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gjse9objl/)
March 29th next 3 photos is how far i could only get the knee to bend with a wall slide and counter slide/pull
https://s24.postimg.org/k4o9swg35/IMG_0100.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/k4o9swg35/)

https://s24.postimg.org/eujb1lvu9/IMG_0101.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/eujb1lvu9/)

https://s24.postimg.org/4lqtvs7sh/IMG_0121.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/4lqtvs7sh/)
Bruising behind the knee. My guess is both from surgery and swelling along with my brace.
https://s24.postimg.org/jvvagpsoh/IMG_0147.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/jvvagpsoh/)
April 3rd
https://s24.postimg.org/gqaoqia29/IMG_0154.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/gqaoqia29/)
April 5th
https://s24.postimg.org/p9u2o9iep/IMG_0167.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/p9u2o9iep/)
April 6th
https://s24.postimg.org/b4o9mg9dd/IMG_0189.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/b4o9mg9dd/)
Bend on Sunday April 8th.
https://s24.postimg.org/s6h3ojo8h/IMG_0195.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/s6h3ojo8h/)
Last night post workout and squats. As you can see swelling is still very substantial. I was told yesterday in physio once the wounds heal on the knee completely I can go use the hot/cold tub at the physio place to control the swelling a little bit.

I hit a 123 degree bend yesterday as well. Pretty good considering by the 6 week mark they want you hitting 130. So almost there.

how to screen capture (https://postimage.org/app.php)

[Shlade]

Hit 134 degree bend today! WAY ahead of schedule. From the booklet they gave me on time lines it looks like I'm 2-3 weeks ahead of where I need to be. Super happy with those results. Waiting to see surgeon now to see when I can get fitted for a brace.

[Shlade]

Spoke with surgeon- sounds like I won't be fitted for a brace for quite some time.

Bonus is doing weight training now. Hip abductor machines at the gym, hamstring curls, and leg press machine with some single leg action as well. Getting better and better and muscle is coming back (still half the size of my other leg but can definitely notice the muscle now again)

Biking a good 20 min a day right now. Gonna start hoping it to 25 min prob end of this week.

Here's a pic of how the scar is looking almost 4 weeks post surgery. Should be able to hit the hot/cold tub next week

https://s1.postimg.org/uftkl9gt7/IMG_0283.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/uftkl9gt7/)