ACL Recovery Journal

A video and reflection on my six months recovering in Spain.

This is what I have been working towards for almost a year.

It’s always hard to know whether to push through a bit of pain or to listen and rest up.

I am starting physio sessions again after almost two months.

I did a little too much and feeling it today.

A new country and few new ways to progress.

I miss playing football and this gave me a little taster of what could be.

My first outdoor run is a success and I am one stop closer to “normal”.

Today was my last session in Spain for three months, as I will be travelling over the summer.

It is time to take my flat feet seriously and do something about it.

Today I ran for the first time since the injury and it feels great.

I have another milestone to aim for… and it’s a big one.

I have come so far, but there is still a lot more to do.

There is a lot of work still to do and now is the time to ramp up the work.

A visit to my surgeon, a pep talk and some words of wisdom.

My physio in England finds and fixes the knee clicking.

This is, hopefully, the middle of my full recovery.

My knee started to audibly click at full extension, and today I had it checked out.

A fly-on-the-wall video of a physio exercise session in Spain.

Dark morning emotions have given way to dreams of the sport I love.

Three months after surgery I got a PRP injection to boost the healing process.

My new knee can now extend and bend fully.

A new physio in Spain brings new treatments.

Now I am back on my feet, I will continue recovering in Spain for the next few months.

The first appointment with my consultant after surgery.

It feels good to hit this first major milestone.

Watching the sport I love gives a fresh motivation.

It’s been four weeks and I have a goal in sight.

The third week after surgery brings regrets, fears and pity.

Taking out the staples is fun for some.

In the blink of an eye, I am back at the physio.

It’s a wet Monday morning for my first physio session.

My first look at the incision wounds under the plasters.

Sleeping with stimulation machines and keeping on top of painkillers.

I woke after surgery with a huge weight lifted and an incredible cup of tea.

It’s the day before the operation and all the preparation is done. All that’s left is to try and stay positive

Now that I have a date for the operation, it’s just a waiting game.

I knew what was coming, but it still hit me like a ton of bricks

Today I got all the details, three weeks after the injury

It’s a waiting game until I get the full, confirmed diagnosis. In the meantime, I can get busy with prehab.

A quiet clinic, a loud machine, and a subtle clue.

In a clean and modern clinic, I made my first visit to a new knee consultant.

It’s time to see the physio in person and get a physical examination.

A welcome distraction and a chance to remember there are more important things in life.

The symptoms of this injury are different to my previous ACL tears.. but I am still preparing for the worst.

A restless nights sleep and the first medical appointment.

On a typical Tuesday night football game, a familiar story starts.