[radu.diaconu]

Hi,

I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus in February last year and had surgery at the end of March. Since I had all 3 fixed at the same time I was not weight-bearing for 6 weeks. During the 6 weeks, I’ve used a machine that was moving my leg to certain angles. That helped a lot with regaining full range in the knee. As soon as I was able to walk I started riding the indoor trainer (very low resistance and focus on increasing cadence, also monitored the power ratio operator leg vs non-operated one) and walking as much as possible. This was later followed by very easy incline treadmill walking and outside hiking.

Once I was able to run, around 3-4 months after surgery I started running on the treadmill using a Lever system, which helps you take some of your weight off. Also, followed the running protocol my doctor suggested. Start very easy and do more as long as there is no pain.

Key advice would be:

– move as much as you can and keep it low intensity, you don’t need to be that sport-specific until you regain your quad strength and a full range of motion.

– strength train and follow your doctor/PT protocol. You might want to talk with a strength coach if you have the means. Also, one app that I found useful is Strength Training.

Hope this helps and you get back to doing what you enjoy as soon as possible. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Radu