Torn ACL

HealthyEscape

Has anyone gone through the ACL surgery before? I tore my ACL during a turbo kick boxing class at 24hr fit and now am on the road to surgery come the fall. I met with my physical therapy doc and he gave me a list of things to do at the gym to help strengthen my quads/hammys which will help with recovery after surgery. Im scared that I am going to start packing on the pounds again because of depression and boredom! I need some motivation to get to the gym, even if its just to do what the doc told me to do!

HealthyEscape

Has anyone gone through the ACL surgery before? I tore my ACL during a turbo kick boxing class at 24hr fit and now am on the road to surgery come the fall. I met with my physical therapy doc and he gave me a list of things to do at the gym to help strengthen my quads/hammys which will help with recovery after surgery. Im scared that I am going to start packing on the pounds again because of depression and boredom! I need some motivation to get to the gym, even if its just to do what the doc told me to do!

slimkitty

I assume that the torn ACL is causing you such great discomfort that you've decided to go the surgery route and you've explored all other options. So, after the surgery you have a long rehabilitation program and you just need to do it. This is your chance to do something really good for yourself. Just get yourself to the gym and workout as much as you can. Do the workouts your doctor prescibed. Depending on your ability you might also want to give pilates a try. They will strenghten the smaller muscles around your knees and hips as well the larger ones. I know that I've gained great benefits since starting pilates. Clean up your diet. Keep really good track of your calorie intake after your surgery. Focus on natural whole foods. They will also speed your recovery by providing the proper nutrients to your body.
Are you already suffering from depression or are you just expecting to get depressed due to surgery. Start addressing that now.
Find a hobby or projects you can do so you won't be bored while in recovery.
The pounds don't need to pile back on. You will be OK.
Good luck!

Iceprincessk25

If she is going to be active then she does need her ACL repaired. You can live with it torn but you lose the stability that people need to live an active lifestyle.

The more strength and muscle you build up in your thigh BEFORE you go to surgery the better off you will be after your surgery. Work as hard as you can right now working up those quad muscles.

You'll be surprised at how quickly you will be able to get back on a bike to start range of motion in your knee. You'll probably get some sort of constant passive motion machine right after your surgery to start you on your way. When you get into physical therapy (which should be soon after your surgery also) they DEFINITELY will get you moving.

Don't worry! You will definitely keep busy and hopefully you'll be going to a physical therapy clinic that is a lot of fun like the ones I work at. It's like social hour in there and it becomes a second family for some patients! :bigsmile: