FAI (Femoro-acetabular Impingement) & Karate

Day 22: Today marked 3 weeks from when I had surgery on my left hip.  Last Thursday, the doctor told me that I could have my right hip done as early as the beginning of February. I am currently checking schedules (doctor’s and mine) to see what might work best. The way things have been going, I feel like I could have the right hip done in a couple weeks and be in great shape within a couple months.  I worked out a little at a gym yesterday, including stationary biking, water walking and swimming, and a little upper-body exercise.  Today, I went through some new and more challenging exercises with the physical therapist.  I believe I started some of the week 5 material today.  At least I know I’ve done almost all the week 4 exercises already… I am planning to teach karate tomorrow, go to the gym on Wednesday and then return to physical therapy on Thursday.  I felt like I was still limping very noticeably this morning when I arrived at work.  But now I feel like my limp is almost completely gone.

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Day 20:  I lead my annual “JKA Kata Review” seminar this morning.  We went through 27 kata, twice each.  I did not do almost any of the moves as large as they should normally be done and generally took it slow and very careful, particularly on the turns.  None of the jumping kicks, of course.  And actually very few kicks in general.  But I did keep going the whole time without stopping or sitting down and I felt fine.  I know I still have limitations and need to be careful.  But am feeling at this point like maybe I should have my other hip done sooner rather than later, to just have it all out of the way.  Could I have my other hip done in early February, though, and be ready in time for the big seminar series in mid-March and a trip to Japan in April?  Hmmm…

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Day 18: I went to physical therapy yesterday and then at night went to a new gym, where I did more stationary biking and some light leg-presses.  Of course I did a little more weight than the therapist told me to.  But I didn’t push it too hard.   I limped around without a crutch most of the evening.  Not much pain and it has been more than 2 weeks… This morning, I went to the physical therapist’s again and she said it seemed like I gained more range-of-motion overnight.  Interesting… Then, after work, I went to the doctor’s.  I got my stitches pulled out and the doctor looked me over, asked me how I felt, then told me I could ease off the crutches whenever I felt ready.  I officially retired the crutches today.  I got some “after” X-rays taken.  I will post many of these images here before too long.  He said I could have the other hip done as soon as one month from now. But due to my hectic upcoming plans for karate activities, I told him I would need to hold off for a few months.   I made an appointment to see him for a routine followup in about 6 weeks, at which time we will plan out when I will get the additional Xrays, etc, to start preparing for surgery on the right hip.  I taught Karate this evening.  I was not on my feet the whole time and cut the class short.  I didn’t feel much “pain” but did feel a little “discomfort” a few times, so I eased off and eventually sat down.  It is frustrating to not be able to get right back into training but my patience will pay off.  I plan to visit the gym again at least twice over the weekend and will teach my class on Saturday (our annual review of all the 26 JKA kata) but plan to not physically participate much.

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Day 15: It has now been 2 weeks since my surgery.  At the inital post-op exam, the day after surgery, they informed me that I would be off crutches in 2 weeks.  At the time, I couldn’t believe it.  A few days later, I felt I could easily be off crutches in under 2 weeks.  In conversations with the doctor’s office late last week, they requested that I remain on the crutches until my next appointment with the doctor this Thursday.  Apart from being a little weak on that leg, I feel like I am completely ready to walk freely.  But I will do as told and keep the crutches for a few more days.

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Day 11: I went to physical therapy after work. The therapist said she thought I had become noticeably better as compared to the day before. She spoke with the doctor’s assistant, who passed on instructions that I was to keep the weight off my leg until my January 3rd appointment with the doctor. That is frustrating. But I guess I need to follow orders to make sure I heal properly. So did I do too much today? This evening, we had our dojo’s annual charity kick-a-thon (http://www.jkasv.com/dojo/events/kickathon.html). 2008 front-kicks. I spent half of the time taking pictures and video and giving minor instruction. But I also did some light kicks while sitting down. All on my right side, stabilizing my left on the chair. I will not be back at the dojo until Jan 3rd, after my doctor’s appointment. So there isn’t much risk of me doing any significant karate between now and then. I’m feeling great. I think the range of motion in my left hip is now better than it was just prior to the surgery. I will see if I can find time to visit the gym tomorrow to ride the stationary bike a little. Next physical therapy will be next Wed & Thur, due to the holidays.

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Day 10: Again I felt better than the previous day.  After work, I went to the physical therapist.  She added to my daily routine of stretching & strengthening activities.  I honestly did not look ahead on the papers that she & both had copies of.  But each time she explained and demonstrated one of the new exercises, I admitted that I’d actually already started doing that, as it seemed the natural progression following what I had already done in week 1.  She came to the same conclusion that I and others have; that the biggest issue with my rehabilitation will be keeping the pace that the doctor has recommended.  I continue to use crutches – or at times a single crutch – to help keep the weight off my left side.

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Day 9: Continuing with the trend, my condition improved further today.  I did some exercises and generally tried to keep rested.  I really think that I could walk without crutches but will follow Dr’s orders.  I will be going to my second physical therapy appointment tomorrow after work.

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Day 8: It has now been a week since the surgery.  I am not improving at the same rate as I was a few days ago. But still getting better each day.  I worked a little more than a half-day today and meant to stop by the gym on my way home. But I forgot my T-shirt so just headed back and did all my other exercises and stretches at home while watching the Muppets with my daughter.  I am so glad that I will be able to move around fairly well tomorrow while opening presents with my kids.  I am still on crutches but primarily just for the added stability at this point. I’m keeping the weight off that leg and trying to get extra rest.  I’m sure the extra care will pay off.

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Day 7: I went to the gym this morning after breakfast and rode the stationary bike for over 20 minutes.  I did a few arm exercises as well but it was a little frustrating to not be able to do almost any of my normal workout routine.  Almost everything somehow involves the hip.  It certainly reinforces the idea that the hips are a very important part of our bodies, of course particularly in karate or almost any other athletic activity.  I am continuing to feel better all the time.

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Day 6: I went to the dojo this morning for the first time. I taught the entire time sitting in a chair. We did just a standing bow, with me holding my crutches. Even just in the time since then I think my condition has improved noticeably. I went through another hour of ice-pad/CPT in the afternoon, since I had turned it off midway through the night last night. I have done a round of self-therapy (stretching & strengthening exercises) earlier today and will do my 2nd round starting in a few minutes while watching TV or a DVD.

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