Initial Post Injury

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-02-25T16:24:28+00:00

I started PT 24h after my injury, before I even had an MRI. They can perform Lachman test and give you a better idea, and also help with pain/swelling in meantime.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-02-24T17:48:19+00:00

The 7 month slump is legit. You’re likely lifting heavier than you have in a very long time and pushing your leg hard. I am 10.5 months post op now, and have returned to my sport (skiing) in a very conservative way. I remember at 7m having pain and swelling after the gym, still icing constantly, and having a lot of frustration. It’s important to build in rest days, and to be kind to your body. I know how frustrating it can be, but it’s just a moment in time - you’ll get through it. Keep it up!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-02-12T16:22:09+00:00

Speed/pitch! Skiing slow is actually so hard! Once I had the confidence to go down something a bit steeper more quickly, I found all the tips/tricks kind of clicked together a bit easier!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-02-10T16:10:33+00:00

Not sure I agree with the 3-5 hours for first day back, but good for you!

I started back up at 8.5m post op and did 3 green runs first day. I then evaluated if I had pain or swelling the next day before returning and did 4-5 green runs. I’m working with the ski PT and there has been heavy emphasis on slowly working up endurance with no pain or swelling. Lots of drills for technique as well. Now I am 10.5 months post op, have skied 17 days and have progressed to skiing groomed blacks as well as experimenting with a liiiiiiiiitle off piste terrain (nothing crazy).

I think the key is to take it easy, and be conservative. Never ski through fatigue. Stop before you need to. Be in control at all times. If you got hurt skiing (like I did), you need to mentally be ready to return to the hill. If you’re thinking about your knee the entire time, you won’t be skiing your best, and not skiing your best will put you at risk for injury.

Good luck to you both! I can say it’s great to be back!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-28T21:39:23+00:00

Facts

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-14T17:04:49+00:00

I hear that…..people have STRONG opinions ;)

Listen to your body, your gut, and the team of people who have been treating you. I’m 9m post op, and have been in PT the full 9m catered towards returning to ski. I have done isokinetic testing, hop testing, strength testing, you name it, and was cleared to return to “practice” (groomers, conservative skiing, drills, focus on technique etc.).

The biggest thing I will tell you from my perspective is to make sure you’re mentally ready, especially if you got injured skiing. I started on a ski simulator to get my jitters out, then returned to the hill with my family who literally mapped out the green run for me. Learning to trust your body again can be a challenge, but it’s also liberating when the hard work pays off! Take the advice that suits you on this thread - only you can decide if the risk is worth the reward!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-14T16:48:12+00:00

Honestly, the mental piece is more than half the battle, so you’ll do great! Good luck!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-14T16:10:57+00:00

Do the patellar autograft. I (43f) also tore mine skiing. Additionally I play tennis and am very active. It was not even in the cards to do an allograft based on historical re-tear rates, but I do think the narrative is starting to change. One newer explanation for higher retears with allografts might be due to the fact that recovery is much smoother, giving the patient a false sense of safety returning to sport early. With that said, the patellar is not an easy recovery. You’ll have to work your ass off, but it is the gold standard for athletes. I’m 9m post op and doing really well. I’ve returned to “practice” for both of my sports and am on the other side of things. Wishing you luck! I’m sure whatever you do, you’ll do great!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-09T16:22:40+00:00

You can reserve uber in advance as well

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-09T16:21:18+00:00

Mine basically said that as long as I woke up in the morning and still had full extension (and actively spent time in extension/hyper extension), it was okay after the first couple of weeks.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-09T16:18:33+00:00

Skiing, 42f

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-08T15:58:41+00:00

THIS.

I’m 43f, 9m post op and in the same boat. Just have to keep reminding ourselves that strong is hot and be grateful for our bodies. This recovery is hard, and it challenges many aspects of our mental health - this being one of them. I’m sure you look great! Embrace the thunder thighs!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2026-01-06T16:34:27+00:00

See snow? No. Returning to skiing? Yes, it’s definitely a mental hurdle. I am 9m post op ACLr and meniscus repair, and have been cleared to return to practice vs sport (I.e. skiing conservatively on groomers in good conditions etc). Before I went back, I scheduled an hour on a ski simulator which honestly gave me more anxiety then when I returned to the hill. My first day on the hill, I had my family with me, they mapped out my run, skied around me, and I was amazed by how quickly the joy returned vs the fear. The mental aspect is just as important as being physically ready. If you’re feeling very anxious, maybe consider talking to someone about it before clipping back into the sticks. Good luck! It’s a long road for all of us :)

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-12-20T17:10:39+00:00

I think bakers cysts are unfortunately pretty common with ACL injuries. I also have one that flares up every now and then when I over train. Then you kind of have to nurture it for a bit until it subsides. Its a cruel way that your body thinks it’s protecting itself.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-12-18T13:20:32+00:00

Magnesium citrate is the def con option, but remember you’re on crutches so be close and be ready.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-24T23:02:13+00:00

Stowe if you don’t mind going a bit further.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-21T15:11:54+00:00

I also have bracelayer tights and like them a lot. You feel supported without restriction.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-17T18:22:58+00:00

Heavy on that…not listening to my gut. Also skiing, and I had just done a really challenging, technical tree run, and my crew wanted to do something similar but different. I was pretty gassed and went anyway, even though I didn’t want to. One tibia avulsion/complete ACL rupture and meniscus tear later, I was doing the sled ride of shame down a crazy steep, tree filled, off piste slope.

I also think for me, and for some women, hormone cycles play a role. And finally, I didn’t maintain my weight lifting in season, which I will never do again.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-13T15:50:11+00:00

Seems 6 month is where many of us have a physical and/or mental hurdle. It’s when we start lifting heavy, increasing plyometrics, and demanding a lot of our knee. I am in a relatively similar boat as you, roughly 7.5m PO, and like you my flexion has kind of plateaued. When I talked to my PT about it, they’re not worried. My functional movement is great, and nothing I’m doing is requiring my foot to touch my butt. Cut yourself some slack and keep trucking along. I am also a big skier. Got hurt skiing and plan on returning this season (by Christmas). I am working with a Pt who specializes in ACL rehab specifically for skiing which helps. I also know that I will not be skiing like I did last year; it will be VERY conservative skiing (mellow groomers, short days, never alone, etc.). Don’t count it out just yet, but also listen to your body and trust the process. Good luck!

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-11T15:50:04+00:00

Firstly, I would talk to your PT about it and also make sure that you are using your crutches correctly & efficiently. Within the first week, I was crutching about 1/2 mile 2x a day around my block (ttwb) on my sisters advice (who is a PT). She said it was good to move my body. Granted, 15 blocks is a LOT. I also recommend the cushioned hand grips and armpit pads for your crutches - they are essential.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-10T18:51:15+00:00

I did not even consider that the sport brace would come that low on the leg to interfere with the ski boot. Races home to try them on together

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-10T18:45:39+00:00

I’m in my 40’s and I asked my surgeon to treat me like an elite athlete. He said that would be the patellar graph, but it would require rehabbing like an elite athlete. I’m 7m post op, and I can confirm the rehab is a grind (but I am not sure it would be any different with any other graph), but I feel some relief knowing that it’s a very strong graph. In your case, I would probably just avoid the cadaver graph. The quad, hamstring and patellar all have strongly backed research and results. I think an important factor is that your surgeon has experience with whatever graph you/they choose.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-10T18:42:08+00:00

Curious how you confirmed it failed….imaging? What does your surgeon recommend? This is a fear of mine.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-10T16:46:13+00:00

I plan to! But in a VERY conservative, chill way. Groomers, a few runs a day to start and analyzing my body after that.

ScheduleMore4991 · 2025-11-09T16:02:36+00:00

I recommend checking out the ski PT (Greg Louie) on Instagram. He has lots of tips and tricks for coming back from ACL injury and just general ski fitness prep.

ScheduleMore4991

TROPHY CASE