I was wondering if I could get anyone's story of playing baseball after a knee replacement. I'm about to get 2 complete knee replacements, and am hopeful I can get back to baseball. Looking for encouragement as to whether I can get back at it..I'm only 54 so fairly young..Thanks Rob.
Hi Rob, good luck with the surgery. I know several older guys that have this done and still play. Myself, I have had 5 back surgeries, 1 hip replaced, rotator cuff surgery, lost part of my sight in my right eye and I managed to continue to come back and play. You should fine as long as you follow the directions, they give you. Oh, by the way, I am 72 now. Good Luck my friend, and I hope this gives you some encouragement.
Ive had a partial on my left and full replacement on my right. Im running better than I have in years and Ive been pitching with no issues. The only thing they frown on is catching because of the way kneeling can affect the implants. In general Ive had the full use on both knees for the first time in years and everything about my game seems better. Btw the way 2 other pitchers on my team have had knee replacement and they also play outfield. Good luck with your surgery and when your doing your rehab remember your goal is to get back on the field and keep working toward it.
Hi Rob -double knee replacement in 2015. The best part is you'll be pain free. Make sure you do the "pre-hab" prior to surgery. Alot of stretching and strengthening of calfs and quads 6 weeks prior to surgery will make the recovery easier, and quicker. Then really attack the physical therapy post-op. I did, and was back officiating basketball at 7 weeks out, and playing baseball at 4 months (had to wait for winter to end). If you dedicate yourself, you'll turn back the clock 20 years on how you feel, and will easily resume all baseball activities. Good Luck and All the Best for a full and complete recovery!
1. Set goals for consistent, incremental progress, adding to the challenge of the task as you get stronger and more confident on your feet. You want an activity that will be fun, exciting, and challenging. I would suggest the "Rush Hour Rush" exercise: pick a busy street, such as Central Avenue in the vicinity of Wolf Road and set yourself the goal of crossing the street mid-block against the light. Start at say, 3:00pm, eventually working up to the full rush at around 5:00pm.
2. One problem that people face as they get older is maintaining balance. For this I would suggest gymnastics, and in particular, the balance beam. Don't have access to the equipment?--no problem! Substitute a railroad track rail for a balance beam. This exercise requires your full focus, so try to block out any distracting sights, sounds, and vibrations as you walk atop the rail.
I guarantee that these two exercises will bring about a dramatic impact!
Frank
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:43:32 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:44:56 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:50:36 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:52:33 PM
1. Set goals for consistent, incremental progress, adding to the challenge of the task as you get stronger and more confident on your feet. You want an activity that will be fun, exciting, and challenging. I would suggest the "Rush Hour Rush" exercise: pick a busy street, such as Central Avenue in the vicinity of Wolf Road and set yourself the goal of crossing the street mid-block against the light. Start at say, 3:00pm, eventually working up to the full rush at around 5:00pm.
Frank
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:43:32 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:44:56 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:50:36 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Sunday 18th of February 2024 10:52:33 PM
It's funny you mention crossing the road Frank. I broke my leg skiing last April 2nd, had surgery on the 4th and then spent 8 weeks with no weight on it which got me to the end of May. Then it was two weeks at 50% weight bearing and then full weight bearing, PT etc. As soon as I was physically capable I went up to Lake Champlain fishing and spent the night in Plattsburgh. I walked from my hotel to a restaurant and had to cross the main road which i think is 6 lanes where i crossed. Talk about nerve wracking! I had to cross a 4 lane road in Albany just the other day and it really jumped out at me how much progress I have made when it didn't even phase me. I won't say the same about the beginning of my first time skiing again... the first runs were a bit intimidating but by the 3rd run I was back!
-- Edited by johnc on Monday 19th of February 2024 01:20:54 PM
Great anecdote, John, and I'm glad to hear of your progress. That must have been a serious break! Continued good luck on your way to a full recovery.
A couple of more suggestions:
1. Set goals for consistent, incremental progress, adding to the challenge of the task as you get stronger and more confident on your feet. You want an activity that will be fun, exciting, and challenging. I would suggest the "Rush Hour Rush" exercise: pick a busy street, such as Central Avenue in the vicinity of Wolf Road and set yourself the goal of crossing the street mid-block against the light. Start at say, 3:00pm, eventually working up to the full rush at around 5:00pm.
PRO MOVE: Cross the street running BACKWARDS to add to the fun and excitement.
NOTE: A 45-second time penalty will be assessed for making any sort of contact with a passing vehicle.
CAUTION: For safety's sake, do not attempt this exercise while holding scissors!
2. One problem that people face as they get older is maintaining balance. For this I would suggest gymnastics, and in particular, the balance beam. Don't have access to the equipment?--no problem! Substitute a railroad track rail for a balance beam. This exercise requires your full focus, so try to block out any distracting sights, sounds, and vibrations as you walk atop the rail.
PRO MOVE: Close your eyes, stick your fingers in your ears, and hum "Last Train to Clarksville" to increase the difficulty of maintaining your balance on the rail.
PRO MOVE: Try balancing on the less stable THIRD RAIL (if available).
Frank
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Monday 19th of February 2024 04:20:13 PM
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Monday 19th of February 2024 04:36:21 PM
