Today I stopped the last pill I was taking - Xarelto.
That feels like progress. Subtle, but real. From now on, it’s all on me. My routine. My discipline. My exercises.
I made a couple of recovery investments today.
First, I bought a device called Airiest - an upgrade from my basic ice pack. It circulates cold water using gravity, so the cooling is more consistent. Cost: R$1,000. It should arrive in the next few days.
I also rented the Game Ready system. I used it today during physio (the session costs an extra R$83 when using it). And yes, it makes a difference. The compression gently squeezes the leg while extremely cold water circulates around the entire knee. Not just one spot like a regular ice pack, the whole joint gets cold.
Very cold. But effective.
My physio confirmed it’s worth using, so I’ll test it for ten days and see how my knee responds. I’ll also discuss it with my doctor on Wednesday. Hopefully, that’s when he’ll remove the stitches.
Today’s physio session was at the club. Bruna was happy with my extension, another win. Walking with crutches feels much better now that I’m keeping the leg straight instead of hopping on it.
We focused on mobility and added a new exercise: feet on the wall, sliding the injured leg down until about 90 degrees of bend, holding for 10–15 seconds. Twenty repetitions, with about 10 seconds rest between each.
It’s challenging, but controlled. Exactly what I need.
Game Ready should arrive tomorrow.
Feeling motivated.
Key Takeaways
- Ending medication marks a shift from medical support to personal responsibility
- Discipline and routine now become the primary recovery drivers
- Investing in better recovery tools can meaningfully improve outcomes
- Compression plus cold is more effective than spot icing alone
- Extension progress directly improves walking mechanics
- Proper crutch technique reduces unnecessary strain
- Controlled flexion work builds confidence without overload
- Physio feedback reinforces that progress is real
- Structured sessions feel safer than improvisation
- Motivation increases when effort translates into visible gains