Question:
I've been trying to rehab a left knee that's been diagnosed as tendinitis,
bursitis, a meniscus tear, and "s***, I don't know." Anyone with experience
with nagging knee injuries? What's the best way to rehab?
Answer:
Knee rehabilitation is how I originally got into cycling. As a swimmer in
college,
I injured my knee while playing Ultimate Frisbee..all the years of swimming
(to a degree very good for a knee) rendered my knee quite flexible. I blew
it out completely tearing 2 and partially tearing 2 ligaments....
After surgery, riding a stationary bike accomplished two things:
1) Help to break up the scar tissue and
2) Stregnthen the muscles surrounding the knee.
Number (2) is what helps with any knee rehab. A 'weakened' knee can always
benefit from strengthened muscles around the knee. With a miniscus tear,
pounding from something like running could make it worse...cycling is a
good alternative due to the non weight bearing load.
Anyway, just start slowly ..pedaling an easy gear at an easy cadence and
GRADUALLY increase the work...
