Things continued to look up for me during my seventh month post-op ACL and meniscus surgery. After starting to jog at the beginning of month six, I continued to make substantial progress physically and mentally. This month was focused on building up my speed and continuing to strengthen my leg. In this post, I detail my experience 7 months post op, including my progress and new exercises.
For a full breakdown of my injury and surgery, head to this post.
How I Felt Month 7 Post Op
This month was way better than I expected. I probably had the best mindset thus far in my recovery because I was so excited to finally start jogging. This marked real progress to me, and put me one step closer to returning to the field. I felt the weeks fly by this month and noticed clear progress, which was encouraging and refreshing. My next appointment would be at the end of month eight, and this month I started to become really hopeful that maybe I could make enough progress to get cleared from the surgeon at that point.
How My Knee Felt 7 Months Post Op
I was still dealing with patellar pain, and managing it carefully. At my appointment in the beginning of this month, I did not do the biodex. Instead, I did the Y-balance test and there was a 2cm difference between each leg. This meant I must continue to work on my strength and stability.
Each week I was adding more exercises and adapting the current ones to be more difficult. I continued to progress and began some agility as well. I did more functional exercises, like jumping and high-knee hurdles. I was also increasing my speed and could get up to a 10.5 on the treadmill (at my full speed I can go to the maximum 12.4 and add incline).
However, I was noticing some soft tissues issues. My hip flexor on my operated leg was very tight and my feet/arches were also tight and sore. My PT said that this was because your whole body has to readapt as you progress, not just your knee.
Major Events
- Y-balance test at follow-up appointment. 2 cm difference.
- Was able to do a standing quad stretch (grab my foot with my hand and pull it toward my butt).
- Increased my running speed, began agility.
7 Months Post-Op Exercises
Focus: This month was focused on improving my running, strength, and jumping.
Watch some of my exercises HERE
Strength
- SL rear-elevated split squat
- Heavier SL RDLs
- BB split squat
Soccer/Plyometrics
- SL box jump
- Wall sprint drills
- Lateral bounds forward and backward
ACL Surgery FAQs- 7 Months Post Op
Could you walk normally?
Yes, 7 months after surgery I was able to walk normally without a limp.
Was your knee stiff and swollen?
Not really. By this time my knee was rarely swelling and was overall much less stiff.
Did your knee feel normal?
No. While my knee was much less painful and stiff, it still felt noticeably different.
Could you run?
Yes. I was cleared to jog at 5 months. I was still working on getting my speed up this month.
Could you sprint?
No. I was still working on building up my speed slowly.
Could you jump?
Yes. I was working on single-leg box jumps.
Could you cut?
No.
Could you play soccer?
No.
My Entire ACL & Meniscus Surgery Journey
Month 1
Month 2
Month 3
Month 4
Month 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 8
Month 9
Month 10
Month 11
Month 12