ACL Surgery....Muscle Atrophy Worries
 

Hi Guys

Unfortunately, i tore the ACL in my left knee again, so I will have it repaired soon.

I'm worried about Muscle Atrophy. After my first surgery, i lost some mass and i was able to recover but it was never the same.

Now that its happened again, im worried it will decrease in size again and maybe even more. My first surgery was in 99, and now its 4 years later.

Also, should i try to work out and get the legs as strong as i can now before surgery, or just wait til after?

thanks

Stop by a physiotherapist and ask this question, you'll be needing to visit them after the surgery anyways.

yeah, what ether said. they should send you to a physical therapist after the surgery for rehab, they can help you recover your strength and any lost size.

A lot of the loss is short term - fluid loss etc; you'll put that back reasonably quickly. Strength tends to be a problem as rest tends to convert fast-twitch to slow-twitch muscle (I've heard reports of sprinters turning into distance runners!) which takes a while to change back.

Speak to the physios - they'll know what they're on about and if you tell them exactly what you're after they should be able to advise you.

You will benefit from a strengthening programme before surgery and many orthopedics expect you to maximise this pre-surgically so as to minimise post-surgical rehabilitation. You will really need a strength and conditioning coach to aid you in this one or a very qualified PT. If none are available let me know.

There are some real advantages to training your non-surgical leg during your rehab as hard as you can due to a cross-over hormonal and neural effect.

I am very concerned about your previous surgery taking > 4 years and you were/are still not at pre-surgical levels.

a) what sport /s do you play
b) what has been the major challenge for your leg during the last four years of post-surgical use?

Look forward to hearing from you.