Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Tony Cortez
Certified Trainers
Arthroscopic knee surgery for torn meniscus
I had worked with Dr. Sanders' patients in the past and knew he took a much more assertive approach to
rehabilitation and muscle reconditioning for both surgical and non-surgical patients. He said that four to six weeks
before returning to activities (indicated by the first Orthopaedic doctor I saw) was not right and that he would
have me back much faster than that. And he did! I was on my stationary bike the day after surgery and rode for an
hour. I was back to 'normal' two weeks after that.
This was my first surgery. Initially, I went to an Orthopaedic surgeon near the facility where I worked. After
listening to what he said I could expect following arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus - off my feet, no
weights, nothing for four to six weeks - I went to talk to Dr. Sanders. I can't be off my feet for that period of
time. I'm a trainer and I have to be back in shape fast for my job. That was not acceptable.
I had worked with Dr. Sanders' patients in the past and knew he took a much more assertive approach to
rehabilitation and muscle reconditioning for both surgical and non-surgical patients. He said that four to six weeks before
returning to activities was not right and that he would have me back much faster than that. And he did! I was on
my stationary bike the day after surgery and rode for an hour. I was back to "normal" two weeks after that.
In fact, another trainer I work with had the same type of surgery the same week that I did, though with another
doctor. And once he returned from weeks of bed rest, he struggled with many of the activities I had been doing since
the day after surgery. It was clear that I was much further along in my rehabilitation, and I know it is because
I began right away.
Atrophy sets in very fast. If you don't keep muscles around your injury moving, they quickly weaken. By the time these
immobilized patients get into rehab, you have to work with their entire body to rebuild strength - not just
the injured limb. The differences in recovery are very clear to me now having experienced it personally. I had
always believed in Dr. Sanders' approach, but during my recovery I was able to put it to the test and truly see
the benefits - as a patient, not just a trainer.
I recognize how difficult it is for people to hear doctor after doctor say the same thing and not be a little
skeptical about Dr Sanders' approach. I don't know of any doctor out there willing to say they know they can get you
back as fast as he does.
I think the other doctors are used to normal methods and standard guidelines for fear of the unknown.
This type of thinking makes my job as a trainer a little harder, because not only do I have to help rebuild strength
that didn't have to deteriorate to the extent that it did, but I must also help patients overcome the fear of
moving the injured limb - a fear these doctors create with lengthy periods of immobility.
I even had to convince one patient that there was no legitimate cause for his limp and that he simply had to get over
his 'fear of pain,' straighten his leg out, and walk normally. Traditional practices really add a psychological
aspect to my work with these patients.
You just have to have faith in your body, which is what Dr. Sanders advocates. It can do much more than you think. When
I first got on my bike the day after surgery, my knee was a little tight but quickly warmed up - and began
strengthening from that day forward.
Reg Duncombe, 50
Builder
Houston, TX
I believe that my ability to start exercising and riding a bike three days after surgery - walking without a limp
just five days after - is a testament to the quality of care that I received.
Well, 50-year-old men probably shouldn't be jumping out of the back of a pick-up truck. But, I did. And that's how
I tore cartilage in my knee.
Dr. Sanders performed arthroscopic surgery and had me moving it the next day. The surgery has been very painless. In
fact, I didn't even take pain medication. It wasn't required and it really wasn't necessary.
He did such a good job with the surgery. I believe that my ability to start exercising and riding a bike three
days after surgery - and walking without a limp just five days after - is a testament to the quality of care that
I received. He immediately outlined an exercise program for me, and just seven days following the procedure, I had
full range of motion forward and backward.
I think it's important to follow the program they give you, in order to have such good results. I continue to do a
series of exercises at home.
