3-month Post-Op

August 10, 2009 marked the 3-month mark from ACL post-op. In my personal opinion I couldn't have asked for a better rehab. All the way along I have felt like I'm further along than where I should be and I continued to push myself more and more each physical therapy session or every time I worked out my legs.

For my 3-month test I tested out better anyone ever has at LOPT and in the top of what my surgeon has seen, including his time with the University of Wisconsin football team. My bad leg was within extension strength was within 15% during the entire test, but 6% stronger at peak strength. These are numbers most people see at the 4-5 month mark. The average person is around 40%, and average athlete is in the 30% mark right now. The doctor couldn't have been more impressed with the return to strength. But still wants me to be cautious

For weight lifting exercises I'm stronger than I was pre-op and have fully returned to my regular leg workouts - squats, leg extension, leg curl, leg press, straight legged deadlift. I continue to bike and run on the ellipitical, I found running on hard surfaces (treadmill, sidewalks) very uncomfortable, with both knees.

Both the doctor and physical therapist said it was ok to start running 3/4 working my way up to full speed in a straight line over the next couple weeks. I've been doing box jumps, 4 square jumps, 3/4 speed shuttle runs, lots of 1-legged hopping/jumping, continue 1-legged balancing exercises. I'm supposed to start 45 degree and 90 degree cutting at half to 3/4 speed working my way up to full speed over this next month.

For leg numbers:
Squat: 225 x 25 reps, 275 x 12, 315 x 7, 365 x 3
Leg Press: 640 x 25 x 2 sets, 710 x 20 reps