For several months in a row last spring I wrote about my experiences post-knee surgery and the grueling rehab process I was going through. It’s hard to believe that is now 15 months post-surgery. The good news is that I am back doing all the activities I was able to do prior to my ACL tear and surgical replacement!
I’ve never had a serious injury before and never had to be a committed and compliant patient. I worked hard and followed the advice of the skilled professional that I put my trust in. I was able to ski by mid- winter and since the spring have been playing tennis several times a week. My knee is strong and pain-free. I have no limitations. At times I do get swelling, but regular icing keeps it to a minimum (and feels good on these hot summer days we are experiencing). I know I am not 100% rehabbed, but am getting closer every day!
This has been a learning experience on many levels. Most importantly, I have a much better appreciation for the trust and confidence my patients put in me. It is not easy being compliant with appointments and the homework I prescribe to get out of pain and optimizing function. Between family and work responsibilities we all have busy lives. Squeezing in one more appointment is not always easy. I always remind my patients that it is not easy and there is never the right time to do this, but if they do the work now, they will be glad they did short term, and more importantly long term.
George Burns when he turned 90 said, “If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself”. I want all my patients to say when they turn 90, “I knew I was going to live this long so I took great care of myself”. Of course there are bumps in the road, like my knee injury, and when that happens extra care is needed. That’s how I live my life and I hope I inspire my patients to do the same.
Now that the hard part of my rehab is over, I will continue with my “extra” exercises to make sure my knee serves me well for the many years I plan to work as a chiropractor and play hard. Many thanks go to my team of professionals who helped me get to this place. Dr. Brian McKeon has been my go to orthopedist for 14+ years. I’ve always told my patients when I made a referral, if it was me, Dr. McKeon is who I would go to. When it was me that is exactly what I did. Steve Crowell and his amazing team of physical therapists at Rebound Physical Therapy got me moving. Rebound Physical Therapy is my “outsourced” physical therapy department and they always make me look good when I refer my patients there. Drs. VanNederynen and Ball, were instrumental in keeping me functional and relieved the physical stress I was putting on my body from walking funny- 1st with crutches, then with my brace, and then from limp that lasted longer than I expected. Bernadette, Performance Health Center’s amazing massage therapist accelerated my healing with incredible massages and cupping. Lastly, Anita Luck, my Functional Movement Therapist, has taught me how to use my body in 3-D so my body can handle the demands I put on it, even when the unexpected happens.
I have and will continue to refer my patients to these exceptional providers I have now experienced firsthand, and have even more confidence in them than ever.
I hope you all have an enjoyable, safe and healthy summer! Now get out there and have fun!
Brad Weiss, D.C.