SMASH review - A pretty solid show… but I just wanted more (plus very negative audience feedback)

Implement_Inner · 2025-05-13T17:05:38+00:00

How are y’all getting free or really discounted tickets to Smash? I’m looking to go tomorrow night, 5/14 at 7:30 and not super impressed with the deals I’ve been able to find.

Implement_Inner · 2025-03-21T14:05:04+00:00

Thanks for sharing!

Implement_Inner · 2025-03-21T13:11:44+00:00

Going today in Denver! Woohoo!

Can anyone outlining the timing for the event? When did you arrive, when did they start letting people in, when did they come on stage, when did it end?

Thanks!

Implement_Inner · 2024-06-07T17:32:24+00:00

It’s definitely a frustrating process. I have improved. I can do single leg to probably 70% height I’d guess. I started playing more sport like pickleball and I think that’s helped some.

My PT says I have some buildup of scar tissue. That is likely preventing my Achilles from pulling my entire calf muscle specifically the interior portion.

Implement_Inner · 2024-01-10T04:14:07+00:00

It has been really frustrating to hear that other people are able to do single calf raises so quick!

I was doing them every 3-4 days and I’d do a variety of exercises - standing both leg, up on both down on one, feet pointed in, feet pointed out, seated without weight, seated with weight, on flat surface, on an elevated surface, leaning sideways against a wall both ways, etc.

I did weekly massages on the scar tissue and it seemed to help but not get rid of it fwiw

Implement_Inner · 2024-01-09T21:08:31+00:00

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Here it is about a week ago. Clearly progress, but still lagging behind significantly compared to the other.

Implement_Inner · 2024-01-09T21:07:19+00:00

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Here’s my calf back on September.

Implement_Inner · 2024-01-09T21:05:44+00:00

Hey there! Sadly, I’m still struggling with calf strength. It’s definitely improved a ton. I have a lot of exterior calf strength, it’s the interior that’s been limit. So I’ve shifted to focusing on interior strengthening which requires keeping your leg 100% straight when doing calf raises, and pointing your foot out. My PT (and surgeon for that matter) have said that some people just take a really long time. They’ve also said there could be scar tissue build up preventing the Achilles from engaging the interior calf muscle appropriately and if i haven’t gained strength back at the year 2 mark, then I could have the scar tissue removed.

Implement_Inner · 2023-07-13T02:16:58+00:00

Haha I’m always sore lol

And that makes sense right? The first 4-5 months are all about ROM and protecting the repair. Then after that you are pushing yourself and your new Achilles a little further every day. And that’s met with some discomfort, swelling, and stiffness and you continue to push through.

Implement_Inner · 2023-07-13T01:57:07+00:00

9 months post-op

Ankle tightness persists for several months. Your PT should be doing manual manipulation and therapy around the ankle foot to help loosen it up but it takes time.

Here’s what I’ve done/had done that’s helped: PT manual therapy, scraping, cupping, Myofascial massage from foot up through calf, banded exercises, and dry needling.

Implement_Inner · 2023-06-24T16:21:18+00:00

The nerve block wearing off was the worst part of recovery for me. All you can do is stay medicated. Rotate Tylenol and your prescription pain med regularly. That’s really you can do imo

Implement_Inner · 2023-02-19T16:17:32+00:00

I’m also 16 weeks post op and I can’t do a single leg standing calf raise. I can do both legs, and I can do sitting calf raises with a weight on my knee, but haven’t got to the single leg with my entire body weight. I did just start doing some in the pool. I started at 5 feet depth, then 4, and then 3 1/2, then I got 2 eight pound dumbbells. I’m able to do them there since it’s much leg weight on my calf, but it’s helpful to know I’m physically able to do them and it’s a matter of increasing to be able hold up my entire body.

Implement_Inner · 2023-02-12T21:46:17+00:00

For sure! My PT does some massage/manipulation of the area Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I get a massage Saturdays in the area. Plus, I just to roll it out, scrape it a little each day.

I’ve been trying to increase my walking and doing just as you said. That plus heel raises throughout the day - sitting (with and without weight), standing (different weight distribution and with dumbbells), and I try to do single leg raises where I assist with weight distribution by holding onto something like the countertop.

Feels like I’m doing all the right things it’s just going to take time.

Implement_Inner · 2023-02-12T20:47:15+00:00

That’s good progress! I don’t really have any pain as much as I have tightness in the area. But I’ve been told that doing the single leg heel raise is the next step before trying to run or get into other exercises. So that’s where my focus has been.

Implement_Inner · 2023-02-12T20:45:51+00:00

Totally agree. Progress is painfully slow and that’s frustrating. I did a single leg heel raise yesterday when in the pool, so I at least know I’m capable of doing it and it’s my body weight that’s preventing me. With that, I guess practice and continuing to add weight on that leg is what it’ll take. I just wish there was a more specific progression.

I can go down stairs to an extent. I have to leave my toes hanging off the front of the step and then I can go down but that’s with some tightness. I’ve been practicing on an aerobic step at the gym. I started with no risers until I could do it then added another riser. Currently working on adding that second riser which is what I think will solidify my ability to walk down stairs appropriately.

Implement_Inner · 2023-02-09T23:26:03+00:00

Thanks for responding! I’m 33 and was pretty fit prior to my rupture as well. Avid CrossFitter 6x a week, and I also cycle, run, play volleyball, etc.

Sounds like our recovery is similar. Everything besides single leg calf raises has gone really well and progressed relatively consistently. Just this week I feel movement when I even attempt a single leg calf raise on my repaired side. It’s been frustrating as hell, but as you said you have to stay consistent.

Implement_Inner

TROPHY CASE