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Getting Back Into Skiing After ACL Injury

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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
Hey girls!

So this has probably already been talked about before, but I'm finding it hard to get myself back into skiing. I tore my ACL and meniscus in March and had surgery at the end of May. I've been back to my surgeon's office and saw his PA and she said everything looks good, I can start skiing if I want. I got fitted for a brace and it'll be here in 2 weeks, so she said just go for a couple hours if I am going to go.
I really "want" to go but I'm having a hard time making myself go a few times, even just for a few runs. Rationally, I know everything is healed and I should be fine but ah putting myself into action seems to be harder than I thought.

So any of you who have had ACL surgery or have come back from a knee injury, what did you do to gain your confidence back? Is it normal to be nervous about going back or am I just being a big baby about it?
Dec 24 2016 6:37PM
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yelsel
Posts: 12967 - Karma: 3,451
I'm in the same boat as you. Right now it's more of a mental game than anything else but I know I just have to sack up and give a shot again. Even if for a few runs
Dec 27 2016 9:22AM
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Wutever
Posts: 279 - Karma: 262
yelselI'm in the same boat as you. Right now it's more of a mental game than anything else but I know I just have to sack up and give a shot again. Even if for a few runs


I think I'll try to go Thursday or Friday! I know I'll want to go for hours but I'll make my cut off 3 runs max for the first day and see what happens. Otherwise, I'm just going to sit at home making mountains out of molehills and that's just sad.

There was this article I found a few days ago that said a pretty significant percentage of athletes do not return to sport after ACL surgery for fear of a re-tear. I think I'll make my motivation to not become a statistic in that sense.
Dec 27 2016 4:02PM
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creaturelo
Posts: 606 - Karma: 11,830
The first few runs I took I didn't even think about it. Let your stoke overwhelm the stress and you're golden! Take it easy on stopping or side slipping on whichever side you got done, that'll relieve some of the strain on it for sure as far as I've noticed. Having the brace is also a huge help, it'll make you feel invincible hahaha
Dec 30 2016 7:40PM
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dkirse
Posts: 822 - Karma: 657
I had ACL surgery at the end of March 2016 and I know how strong my knee is and how much I am capable of, but now it's a mental game. Remember the stoke and the freedom and happiness that come with this sport we love so much, and ride on that. It's easy to be nervous and it's easy to give into the games that play in your head and say, "you're not ready for this yet" but know your own strength. Remember to feel your body out first, know the snow, and don't over-perform. Take it easy, shred groomers, remember your love for skiing and shred your heart out.
Jan 2 2017 4:53PM
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halfpipedream
Posts: 109 - Karma: 223
I had my ACL repaired in 2009 and it's never been better. I took my skiing to whole new levels AFTER the fact. It's all mental. If you've been keeping up on stretches, have the brace or whatever equipment your doc recommended, stay strong, etc.... you should be all set. I was racing at the time and I will say I went way less hard in the race course that first year back, I went from going hard and only finishing 50% of my races to holding back but finishing almost all of them... but after another year or two it was like nothing ever happened, moved to CO, skied like a pro. I actually feel like my other knee got better after getting my ACL repaired, that thing was like a ticking time bomb and I was always walking funny because I was so hurt up all the time. So once I got it repaired, the other knee fell in line. Biggest blessing in disguise to ever happen. I will warn you, if you have kids in the future go easy on it. Your ligaments stretch out because of the hormones and your knees and ankles are included, even in the first few months when you can get away with skiing, the hormones will already be effecting you.
Jan 9 2017 3:17PM
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katrina
Posts: 2395 - Karma: 15,192
the. worst. i just had 2 yeas of surgeries and other procedures to piece my left leg back together so i know the feeling. the doctors never tell you that mentally overcoming the injury is the hardest part. my big advice is don't force it. Last year I tried to push it and go back too hard before I was ready, I had my expectations really high and I ended up more hurt and super disappointed. Take your time, get stronger than you think you need to be, and just ease into it.

Good luck! These things are never easy.
Jan 13 2017 12:46PM
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MNskibum14
Posts: 4 - Karma: 16
I just found out I have to get surgery to reconstruct my ACL it ended my season on December 20th, 2016 and am pretty down about it skiing is my whole life always has been. I coach, race, park rat, instruct, run lifts, schedule lessons, and I'm out at the hill 5-7 days a week. Its most of who I am and has always given my life direction. I let a close friend use my set up since I can't ride its gotten to the point where it pains me to see my skis out there without me.....

Just want to hear from of you ladies that have been through this on
-how you kept a positive outlook and what you did to keep yourself busy.
-input on the pros and cons of both hamstring and patella options for surgery.
-did you continue to ski before your surgery ( I haven't because I'm worried my meniscus, pcl, and mcl might tear too)

Really reaching out here hope to hear from someone!
Feb 7 2017 9:20PM
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