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.
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Former Member
I had knee surgery (torn ACL and MCL - basketball injury) about 11 years ago. Don't expect to do *** stroke kick for a long time, nor dolphin kick for a limited amount of time. I had both artho and "cut it open" surgery.
Swimming and pool running (deep water, not touching the bottom) were recommended to me, with the above caveats. A new pull buoy might be a welcome post-surgery present (although they rarely have them in the hospital gift shops!)
I wouldn't swim until the incision (poke holes, really) are COMPLETELY healed - infection will be a big enemy.
I was back in the water after about a month. The dr. cautioned me against dolphin because it might be too big a strain on my one remaining hamstring (the other was threaded through my knee to replace the ACL). However, with rehab exercises before and after surgery to strengthen my hamstrings, I was able to return to fly about 4 months after surgery. And breaststroke? Well, I always hated *** so didn't rush back in...probably about a year and a half before I did any serious *** intervals.
The main thing is to listen to your knee. If it's painful, swollen, or you've lost range of motion, back off.
What is the nature of your injury? Let us know how you're doing!
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Former Member
I had knee surgery (torn ACL and MCL - basketball injury) about 11 years ago. Don't expect to do *** stroke kick for a long time, nor dolphin kick for a limited amount of time. I had both artho and "cut it open" surgery.
Swimming and pool running (deep water, not touching the bottom) were recommended to me, with the above caveats. A new pull buoy might be a welcome post-surgery present (although they rarely have them in the hospital gift shops!)
I wouldn't swim until the incision (poke holes, really) are COMPLETELY healed - infection will be a big enemy.
I was back in the water after about a month. The dr. cautioned me against dolphin because it might be too big a strain on my one remaining hamstring (the other was threaded through my knee to replace the ACL). However, with rehab exercises before and after surgery to strengthen my hamstrings, I was able to return to fly about 4 months after surgery. And breaststroke? Well, I always hated *** so didn't rush back in...probably about a year and a half before I did any serious *** intervals.
The main thing is to listen to your knee. If it's painful, swollen, or you've lost range of motion, back off.
What is the nature of your injury? Let us know how you're doing!
