Heel hook injury and the MCL

[chanmartialarts]

I recently started Body Flow, but a past heel hook injury grappling stretched my MCL. My knee femur subluxiates from the lower shank from time to time (and when it happens, it is very painful).

Is there any exercises to strengthen the MCL or to reduce some of the excessive flexibility of the MCL?

[Scott Sonnon]

What has your PT indicated? Please introduce yourself as per forum rules.

[chanmartialarts]

Hi Coach,
Love Body Flow so far!

As per introducing myself to forum rules. I am a former amatuer thai boxing competitor, kali stick fighter and a certified instructor in thai boxing and CSW. I mainly coach students and athletes now. I am a personal trainer and a senior undergraduate kinesiology major. I am an avid supporter of functional, dynamic, and sports specific training. Stand up arts do not comprimise the structural stability of my knee, just any grappling movements that cause my body to translate forward while in a knee flexion.

I am unable to perform the shin twist b/c of this hyper laxity. I have not seen a PT, just my primary care physician. He suggested my to take 4 to 6 weeks off. That is very difficult b/c I need to spar & roll w/ my students. In addition to the fact that I constantly gives me generic book answers to my injuries. Hence, no MRI yet, even though it is a 2 year injury that I continue to train on.

Coach: I think what you are doing is incredible and I respect your opinion . I am hestitant on most physicians being knowledgable in the area of combat related injuries b/c of past experiences (unless they participate in the sport themselves). What do you suggest?

- Alvin

[Scott Sonnon]

Alvin,

Until you determine a concrete answer to what the actual condition involves, no speculation is advised. For such an injury, you need to find a sports med doc or qualified PT whom you trust. Only then, can you move forward.

[Scott Sonnon]

Alvin,

Until you determine a concrete answer to what the actual condition involves, no speculation is advised. For such an injury, you need to find a sports med doc or qualified PT whom you trust. Only then, can you move forward.

[Matt Schwartz]

Have you looked at prolotherapy? Google it, check with your doc, and see if it may help you. It has helped me. If the doc does not give you an answer that that you like, then take your health into your own hands and research it on your own. It is good stuff. Take care,
Matt

[JasonE]

Alvin -

I've had knee injuries myself, to the point of surgery. I've rehabbed 100% and can do all of the Bodyflow movements without pain. I do love what they've helped me add to my functional movement and martial arts practice.

That said, I have a little advice:

See a good sports doctor or a knowledgable orthopedic specialist.

If one of your clients' friends (whom you didn't know) called you from the other end of the country and described their situation to you the same way, what would you as a professional have to tell them? Apply that advice to yourself. You are your first and most important client. :wink:

[chanmartialarts]

Thanks everyone, everybody had good advices. Its reassuring to know that someone out there had the same injury and was able to rehab it.

I spend so much time on others that I forget how to serve myself. Thanks JasonE