ACL Repair Day 13

Finally got to see my ACL specific physio, Jian Soares from Fall Line Fitness, today. He was also pleased with my progress though also resounded words of caution that the wound and graft needs their healing time. We worked on some quad activation and he measured my knee flexion - 130° ! The goal is 120° at this stage so I'm hitting the markers well. I wasn't too worried about reaching mobility as hypermoblity works to my advantage for that.

We worked on walking, one legged balancing and step ups and downs. Steps were the hardest, requiring my complete focus and breathing through the sticky pain point where my weight transfers to the knee joint. It was hard, hurt and I wobbled, but I worked through it. I got up and down this low step!

My accupuncturist had mentioned that since they harvested my hamstring during the menstrual phase of my cycle, my body had more relaxin in it and so the graft had more elastin. This is meant the harvest graft piece was stretchier. I was concerned that meant my graft would be extra stretchy too. Jian assured me that the relaxin does drain eventually and actually having a graft harvested with more elastin may not be bad. From what I understood, it means it may result in a tighter graft actually, which would benefit me since I am hypermobile to begin with.

I got a moxa (moxibustion) stick from Adrienne to use at home. She had used it around my knee in our session and I wanted to give it a go at home.

Whaat is moxibustion? It's a traditional Chinese medicine heat therapy burning  mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) close to the skin’s surface to stimluate a person's qi and overall wellness. It is also claimed to help with inflammation and pain. It goes with accupuncture and has been used since about 500 BCE in China.

The heat felt nice and the stick isn't expensive...and it's fun to burn things why not give it a try at home? I'll take all the help I can get.

Video explaining moxa:

Scientific study on moxa: The Mechanism of Moxibustion: Ancient Theory and Modern Research

Here's a video on how to use a moxa stick.

Some desires for this week are:

• Go out for a walk. I haven't been out for a walk since the surgery and I think it's time. I don't know if I will even make it to the trailhead but this will allow me to have some goalposts to work toward. Just need to remember to save energy for the way back! Hoping some friends will want to go for some small walks during the day as I think I still need assistance. Loose ground and steps are still hard and crossing streets have become more intimidating.
• Somehow get my package waiting for me in Vancouver.