Post Injury to Knee

by Pat Wren
(Louisiana)

My question is that about a year ago I tore my ACL and MCL and meniscus which required surgery in May 2020. I have been practicing Aikido many years and last year obtained my Nidan.

My recovery has been very good with physical therapy and advanced therapy at the gym. I was told that I could not return to the mat until one year after surgery.

Have you had any students who had this type of injury and were able to return to practice?

I am in very good shape but do not want to twist my knee so I am kind of nervous about going back. Even now I’m told not to take any backward or forward rolls.

My orthopedist and my physical therapist or not really familiar with the practice of Aikido. And by the way I am 71 but in good shape. Thank you

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Feb 27, 2021
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by: Tony

Hello Pat, many thanks for your question.

Sorry to hear that you experienced a knee injury that required surgery. You didn't say whether the injury happened while practicing aikido or elsewhere.

It sounds like you have been doing some serious work to recover which is great.

Unfortunately, none of my students have had such a serious injury. We have had a few cartilage injury issues, and I have personally had keyhole surgery on both knees. The recovery was several weeks.

Strength and flexibility training for muscles, ligaments and tendons are essential. Also nutrients can help repair and increase the protective fluid around the joint.

I have used glucosamine, chondroitin, msm, turmeric, ginger, and astaxanthin as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation. Certainly worth some research to see what helps.

Regarding breakfalls, yes it would be wise to be cautious as you may put extra pressure on the joint... particularly with those breakfalls that are slightly off balance ;)

It might also be beneficial to do some releasing on the emotions surrounding an injury. By revisiting how you felt just before, during and after the injury. Then taking a deep breath and letting go of the feelings that come up. Search for EFT to help with this.

I hope you recover fully and gradually get back to 'normal' aikido training again.

Regards

Tony

Tony Wilden
Aikido Health Centre

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