Getting Back in the Game
I was recently told by a not-to-be-named figure in the Hayward ski community that it is important for all high-level athletes to go through at least one serious injury. This person said that facing this type of challenge increases an athlete’s mental toughness, appreciation of physical health, and desire to train and compete. That may be true, I haven’t made a ruling on the notion myself, but I’m pretty sure, despite those hypothesize benefits, no one would ever wish injury upon themselves.
One last flex 5 days before surgery
Regardless, I find myself 3 months and counting out from shoulder surgery. In April I had an open Bankart repair performed on my right shoulder to reattach two severed ligaments in my labrum. Following surgery I was faced with a 6 to 9 month recovery period before I returned to full activity. Talk about mental toughness! My spring training consisted of stationary biking, just about as much as I could tolerate. After putting in the miles on my trainer for two months, I got the go-ahead to start running. Since then I have added some core strength, leg strength, road biking, no pole rollerskiing, and even some plyos. In addition to those activities, I also do physical therapy exercise 3x a day, usually taking about 20 minutes each time. The recovery is slow. Just recently I was able to reach the back of my head to put my hair in a pony tail for the first time since surgery. I see a physical therapist twice a week where my progress is measured, often in a couple degrees improvement in my range of motion. And it will be the end of August before there is any chance that I can think about poling with my right arm.
Spring training. Note the essentials: mini fan, towel for wiping sweat, movie on TV, and a big smile.
One of the most encouraging parts of my recovery has been working with Dr. Jim Mullen, a rehabilitation and physical medicine doctor who donated his time to work with the team during our Hayward camp. After weeks feeling like I was getting no where with my PT, I made a huge jump in just three days of working with Jim. Dr. Mullen quickly went to work assessing me and working out the knots in my scapula and rotator cuff that were preventing my progression . It was an excruciating first 45 minutes that had me biting my lip and fighting off tears, but I was very pleased to find at the end of our session I was able to lift my arm much better than before.
In addition to special work with those of us on the team with past or present injuries, Jim also gave each athlete a general assessment. Using a set of standardized measurements, Jim identified each athlete’s asymmetries and areas of inadequate flexibility, both of which affect one’s athletic foundation. We learned active stretches to improve those areas. It was such a privilege to work with an expert like Jim who looked at movement from a holistic perspective and targeted the problems at their root.
In terms of reaping the benefits of persevering through an injury, I will have to get back to you on that one. I can tell you that my no pole skating is at its all-time best and nothing sounds better to me than going for a long double pole workout!
Dr. Mullen assesses Karl for upper back flexibility
Kristina works with Dr. Mullen .
