time flies when you're allowed to move: 7 months

Hi guys!

It's been a long time since I've last posted. And the main reason for that.... I was allowed to move about, run, and play! I was cleared by my doctor at 5 1/2 months. Then, I took the actual test by my PT two weeks later (6 months) and passed with flying colors! It turns out my right leg is now stronger then my left :) He warned me that I have to keep doing my leg exercises to prevent re-tear or even tear in my other knee.

I've been playing indoor field hockey and my knee has felt great! The scars are almost normal color skin again, and have healed beautifully.

Feel free to ask any questions if you have them.

Urban Active

I also forgot to mention that I started personal training at Urban Active again. This is just another opportunity for me to gain my muscle back and get back in shape. Can you believe its been 12 weeks since I worked out?? I can, I can't even run a 1/2 mile without getting tired.

Peacce

Goal Crushed.

So... 3 month check up today, all hope gone.
The surgeon told me that it would be impossible to return to sports before 6 months. However, my PT told me that the test to get cleared starts at 4 months? So, I'm pretty confused.
I understand that I won't be returning for my senior season of field hockey, but at least I'll still be able to play indoor field hockey!
He told me that I do have minor swelling that should have disappeared awhile ago. He suggested to take 2 Aleeves twice a day for 2 weeks. Bring on the pills.

So overall, I'm a little bummed, but I know its for the best. I wouldn't want to screw up my college seasons because I was too anxious to play. So... I'll just continue to gain my muscle and strength back.
Till next time.....

2 months

It has been 2 months and 2 days since my surgery. Everything is going great. My leg feels completely normal when I walk and sit. I feel some tightness in my leg when i sit in the indian position. I cannot sit on my knees yet -not because I can't bend it that far - but because I feel some pain and tightness in that position. I can kneel, however only on soft surfaces and by putting more pressure on my good knee than my surgical knee.
I run. Correction. I jog. No sprints. Technically I have not been cleared to do so, however, I feel absolutely no pain while running. I also participate a little in my sport. Basically, I feel like I could go out and play field hockey, as long as I don't pivot all the way or fall on my knees (because that would hurt). Now obviously I am not cleared to play, so I don't play in games. However, I am considered a defensive coach for my team, so I do participate in some way.
In physical therapy, I have the same routine.

• Bike for 5-10 minutes
• Cable Column 
• Leg Press (both legs than single legs)
• This machine where my legs are straight then I push down into a bend position (about 120 degrees) 
• Hamstring curl 
• Squats 
• Balancing exercises
• Step ups/Step downs
• Sometimes table exercises like leg lifts, side leg raises
• Stretch 

Good news also; at 4 months out, you take a test that tests your leg strength in your surgical leg and then it compares it to your good leg. So, the test will then say, you are 80% back to full strength... There is a certain range that you have to be at to be cleared. Apparently, no one ever passes at 4 months, but it is now my GOAL. 

I am also going to start personal training again at Urban Active to help me gain back my quad muscle. 

I was about 1/2 inch to 1 inch away from full muscle capacity last time I was measured - about 2 weeks ago. 

Fell free to ask questions. And remember, results vary from person to person, so if your recover is taking longer than you thought, don't get frustrated, just keep working!! 

Pictures of leg at 6 weeks

The first picture is of my leg just to show you the scars and kind of what the knee in general looks like.

the second picture is of both my legs. I am kinda flexing my quads just to show you the definition in my left and right knee. There is some real noticeable difference in the shape of my legs.
P.S.. admire the brace tan.

6 weeks post op

HI everyone,

So yesterday was my 6 week marker. I have had a great recover so far. My walking is COMPLETELY normal, you would have never known I tore my ACL (except for the big brace on my leg). I only wear the brace at school, because apparently there is a risk of someone jumping on my bag or deadlegging me (even though that would never happen!) At home I don't wear it. Oh, and typically at school I take it off during class/don't put it back on. At field hockey practice I wear it nice and tight. As for sports, I obviously am not playing yet. However....  I do run (i'm not suppose to). It isn't serious running or anything, just a uber slow jog. It just feels good to stretch my legs again, it has been quite a while. I can easily run with the ball and hit it. Some of you might think I'm crazy for running so early! However, it can't hurt my rehab. I view this light jogging every couple days in a week as strengthening my quad muscles. I DO NOT pivot hard at all. I know my limits.. that is something that everyone has to grasp before they start pushing themselves, further along in the rehab. (NO major jumping, burpies, lunges yet)
Physical therapy is slow but steady. I am on mostly weights and standing/balancing exercises. Most of the table exercises I do only at home. I bought some 5 pound ankle weights with removable 1 1/4 pound weights to adjust as I need. The scars are beautiful, healing nicely. Soon they will be gone! Range of motion is completely back, strength is getting there, balance is back and strong and lastly, swelling is gone. I cannot yet see the definition of my patella tendon or the little indents on either side of my knee. They are almost back though! These typically show up around 3 months post op (according to the doc). Also, I can KNEEL! hoorah! (Someone at PT did tell me kneeling was overrated so maybe i shouldn't be too thrilled... but it is progress, so WHO CARES!)

lastly, I just want to encourage everyone who is going through the ACL recovery process that if you work hard and stick to your exercises, you will get better, and quickly. You may not be going as fast as YOU want, I know I feel that way, however, the PT's know best. Don't push yourself, don't do something that might hurt you, and lastly, don't base your recovery exactly off mine. everyones is different! I am a young (17 :)) athlete with the patella tendon graft who has been active her whole life. If this doesn't fit you exactly then get angry or frustrated when things don't go as planned!

Have faith and get better!!! Work work work

Feel free to leave comments or questions.

Quick Update

I have full range of motion now!

boom, that was quick