Meet my new BFF, the CPM (continuous passive motion) machine.
The day I got home from surgery, they suggested I start with minor excercises and start using the CPM machine. Everyone who gets an ACL reconstructed will get familiar with this bulky piece of equipment. The premise is simple: lay down, strap your leg in, set the machine to elevate your leg to the desired degree and let it do the work for you. Set it and forget it, if you will. The doctor recommends I stay in this machine four to six hours a day.
The day of surgery, I was supposed to start at 30 degrees on the CPM. (Kicking and screaming, I got there.) Each day I increase the intensity by 10 degrees. The goal is to get to 90 degrees by my first post-op appointment, which is next week.
Random Piece of Advice for the Day: My friend Mike told me that he just read a list of the 33 healthiest foods, and pineapples were on the list because they aid in joint health. Stock up!
heh
I’m sure you know what I mean. I’m actually still on crutches 4 months after accident due to pain in both knees – and have an ACL recon due on each knee in the next 6 months. Am feeling slightly nervous too as my 1st op is 2 weeks Monday – but having had an arthros. to remove a split cartiledge 20 yrs ago I know there is hope but it can be a bit of a slog.
just reading your blog as someone who’s played competitve level sport all her life and who’s partner plays national level sport – and I’m getting hope again even tho I’m a bit grumpy I can’t move without having to think what I’m doing.
Keep going – not sure we use the CPM’s in the UK but will ask about it here. Congrats on the sitches ! Jx
ugh i absolutley hate being in the CPM right now but its nice hearing other people’s stories