Goalie Injury Question

[MisterJoji]

Just wondering if any others out there have torn their meniscus and MCL? I was playing goal last night, made a big stretch for a save but my knee got stuck and the momentum of my body rolled my right over my knee. Felt an excruciating "pop" and now am unable to bear any weight. Diagnosed with a Meniscus and MCL tear, have to wear a soft cast for a week and then go see a orthopedic doc. Anyways, my question is if anybody has had a similar injury, what kind of timeline before you could get back out on the ice? Also, were you "gun-shy" when you returned and scared to make the big stretches and movements once you got back? I'm 29 and this is my 1st real injury that wasn't just a strained muscle, twisted ankle etc. Thanks.

[bagofpucks]

Yup, tore my miniscus when I was 12 and sprained my MCL when I was 19.

I was fortunate with my miniscus, I was young enough that with physiotherapy I was able to rehab it without surgery. However, I may need surgery to clean it up now that I am older.

I only sprained my MCL, so it certainly wasn't as bad as a tear. Again, I didn't require surgery, so I only had to rehab through physio. I was not able to do anything for 6-8 weeks and I was able to get back on the ice after 10-12 weeks. My knee still has some issues, but I am assuming it is mostly due to scar tissue.

As for getting back on the ice; it can be difficult. Since your knee was injured during a "goalie movement" it can be nerve racking getting back into that position. The worst part is, no matter how much you rehab, you won't really put the same strain on your knee as you do while you're playing.

Sorry to hear about your injury, but hope your rehab goes smoothly and you're able to get back to playing again sooner rather than later!

[Calgaryflamesgirl34]

When I was in grade 12 I managed to overextend both my knees causing a tear in my MCLs. I went to a physio and it took me about 2 weeks to get back on the ice... I must say that I do tend to push my recovery times and play through the pain so I might not be the best example. However I actually find myself to be more flexible and stronger so no I'm not gun-shy.

[MisterJoji]

Thanks guys. Like Bagofpucks, I hope to avoid surgery and physio the hell out of it, so hopefully 10-12 weeks is doable. And flamesgirl are you bionic? 2 weeks? That's awesome!! What I don't having going for me is that I'm probably the least flexible goalie I know, so I'll probably be scared to make those big moves at 1st. My wife suggested yoga once I'm up and running again. Either of you do that? And flamesgirl, if you do, do you ever see guys in there? Thanks again.

[bagofpucks]

Sent a PM!

[Calgaryflamesgirl34]

Haha I wouldn't say bionic maybe a little stupid I also played 3 weeks on a torn groin before I decided to see a sports doctor soo...Ya I have done yoga and you do see guys occasionally but if you feel uncomfortable in a room full of lululemons you can always by a yoga DVD and a mat and you can do it from home. Flexible is pretty easy to build up just try those foam rollers and maybe stretch for 20 minutes before bed or when you wake up in the morning it doesn't take long to get a little better. Hope that helps!

[bc-chris]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

Thanks guys. Like Bagofpucks, I hope to avoid surgery and physio the hell out of it, so hopefully 10-12 weeks is doable. And flamesgirl are you bionic? 2 weeks? That's awesome!! What I don't having going for me is that I'm probably the least flexible goalie I know, so I'll probably be scared to make those big moves at 1st. My wife suggested yoga once I'm up and running again. Either of you do that? And flamesgirl, if you do, do you ever see guys in there? Thanks again.

MisterJoli....

i've never had any huge injuries playing goal... the two worst injuries i've had were a high ankle sprain and a pulled hip flexor.

i found coming back after the high ankle sprain i was really nervous about dropping down into a butterfly position (my injury was a fluke accident - when i dropped down my left skate blade caught a rut in the ice, so my foot was basically stuck, causing it to roll under me instead of out - holy crap that still hurts just thinking about it).

after 6 or 7 weeks i was able to get back on the ice. i wore an ankle brace for quite a while and got skates with a lot better ankle support. before i knew it i was more concerned with stopping the puck than my ankle.

for yoga... i've been doing p90x for a workout... i'm not sure how many times i've been thru the 90 regiment, but it's been quite a few. i really like it and they do have a yoga workout - it's AWESOME!!! i found i got waaaaaay more flexible after doing p90x (which is probably why i still do it - it's a great workout and it helps me with hockey). i'm sure there are exclusively yoga workouts, but if you want to build strength, cardio AND flexibility i recommend p90x

[NuclearFart]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

Just wondering if any others out there have torn their meniscus and MCL? I was playing goal last night, made a big stretch for a save but my knee got stuck and the momentum of my body rolled my right over my knee. Felt an excruciating "pop" and now am unable to bear any weight. Diagnosed with a Meniscus and MCL tear, have to wear a soft cast for a week and then go see a orthopedic doc. Anyways, my question is if anybody has had a similar injury, what kind of timeline before you could get back out on the ice? Also, were you "gun-shy" when you returned and scared to make the big stretches and movements once you got back? I'm 29 and this is my 1st real injury that wasn't just a strained muscle, twisted ankle etc. Thanks.

Wait until you've had an MRI or seen the Orthopod before trying to sort this out. I'd be worried about your ACL given how great a mechanism of injury it sounds like you had.

[CMPunk]

My worst injury was a concussion...I was off work and the ice for three weeks. A tad gun shy when I got back, but after awhile it goes away