ACL reconstruction surgery – on with the mental skill experiment

It has been a long time since I have not written anything on this blog. It sounds like the perfect moment to resurrect my mental skills experiment: in June the 8th I had an accident at the gym and suffered total anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, meniscus amputation, cartilage damage and a minor injury to the tibia.

At the time, with cautious support from my physicians, I maintained the plan to participate in the GPC Powerlifting Worlds. We started a rehab program that can be roughly observed through the following videos, designed by my physicians, my physiotherapist, myself and Gilson Clemente, powerlifting coach.

ACL injury rehab - Experimenting with the Deadlift  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arwfa3WSaCA (July 24)

ACL injury rehab - Squat evolution, light wraps, chains, sus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et_GshT71QE (July 24)

ACL Rehab - tests on balance and control  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdHSFW3dSQo (July 16)

ACL rehab - using loose knee wraps, deeper squat  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsRV-2CYaa4 (July 16)

ACL Rehab - flexor  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp48dsVWWeM (July 16)

ACL Rehab - GCA, São Paulo - first squats  - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opk-kHO8KOU (July 16)

Along the program I recovered proper control and strength. I was squatting practically unequipped with 150kg, which meant that my expectations for an over 200kg squat were realistic. However, considering the peculiar biomechanical aspects of powerlifting gear, especially the lifting suit, which acts like a harness, I figured the risks of any imbalance produced during the lift could have catastrophic results. I gave up the Worlds, and lifted in minor bench-only meets.

The surgery was planned for early November. Due to insurance conflicts we succeeded to do it in November the 10th, Tuesday.

I will report my mental skill training for recovery since then in this blog.

Tuesday – breathing exercises, too sedated and still coming from anesthesia

Wednesday, 11th – breathing exercises, went home. Had a Reiki session, breathing exercises and slept (still quite sedated).

Thursday, 12th – no pain at all. Knee flexion up to 90o. Weird depression. Breathing exercises. Physiotherapy.

Friday, 13th – No pain, walking with no crutches. Decreased depression. Breathing exercises. Physiotherapy.

Saturday, November 14 – no pain, walking with no crutches. Breathing exercises.

The plan here is to employ mental skill techniques to improve recovery quality. Speed is ok – I wouldn’t worry with that.

Training and rehab journal is registered elsewhere (http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/marilia05/ ).