Has anyone here had it done on their knee? I'm curious what the realistic time frame was before you were able to hop back in the pool and swim. I'm thinking once the wounds heal I might be able to do some nonkicking swimming, but I'd be interested to hear about anyone who has firsthand experience.
Parents
Former Member
Heidi,
I am a 21 year old former competitive high school swimmer. Here's my story:
In November of my junior year of high school (I was 16), I was having problems with my left knee, kicking, pain, etc.
Went to several doctors before they discovered that my ACL was partially torn and stretched out to a point that it was useless to me.
I had surgery in January (thermal shrinkage via arthoscope), and to help my ligament heal in a tightened state, I was on non-weight bearing crutches for 8 weeks.
By the time my knee was rechecked, because of my original condition, I was told that swimming would be the worst thing I could ever do to it again, and as a result, I have just now gotten back in the water, 4 years after surgery.
I'm not sure what your surgery is for, and my case was pretty unusual (prolonged injury, attempt was made to control the damage rather than repair it, since it can't really be repaired due to the extent of damage). But I would listen to the advice of your surgeon, because they'll mostly likely be completely honest with you and give you a time frame to get back in the water.
And, as long as your stitches are out, I say non-kicking practices wouldn't hurt. Just make sure you don't kick at all.
Good luck!
Steph
Reply
Former Member
Heidi,
I am a 21 year old former competitive high school swimmer. Here's my story:
In November of my junior year of high school (I was 16), I was having problems with my left knee, kicking, pain, etc.
Went to several doctors before they discovered that my ACL was partially torn and stretched out to a point that it was useless to me.
I had surgery in January (thermal shrinkage via arthoscope), and to help my ligament heal in a tightened state, I was on non-weight bearing crutches for 8 weeks.
By the time my knee was rechecked, because of my original condition, I was told that swimming would be the worst thing I could ever do to it again, and as a result, I have just now gotten back in the water, 4 years after surgery.
I'm not sure what your surgery is for, and my case was pretty unusual (prolonged injury, attempt was made to control the damage rather than repair it, since it can't really be repaired due to the extent of damage). But I would listen to the advice of your surgeon, because they'll mostly likely be completely honest with you and give you a time frame to get back in the water.
And, as long as your stitches are out, I say non-kicking practices wouldn't hurt. Just make sure you don't kick at all.
Good luck!
Steph
