I woke up with my knee even stiffer than yesterday. Enough to make me pause and ask the obvious question: is this normal? Apparently, yes. Recovery is not linear. You get days where everything feels like it is finally turning a corner, and then you get days like this one, where even straightening the leg feels like work.
Today was one of those reality-check days. I could barely extend my leg properly, and mentally it hit harder than expected. I went to the office, which honestly was exhausting. Being there makes you feel limited in a very visible way. You move slower, you sit differently, and people look at you differently. It is not malicious, but it is noticeable. It gives you a small taste of what permanent limitations might feel like.
That experience stayed with me. We take so much for granted. Walking without thinking. Running. Jumping. Playing tennis. Kitesurfing. Swimming. Only when those things are taken away do you really understand what it means for people who cannot do them at all. This whole process is quietly forcing humility into the system, whether I like it or not.
One thing I felt deeply grateful for today was my wife. She has stepped in without complaint, taking care of me, the kids, and the house. Calm, consistent, present. When everything feels harder, that kind of support becomes impossible to ignore.
I also had a follow-up with my GP. He reviewed my blood results, which were slightly off but nothing serious. Just a short-lived virus, likely amplified by a temporarily weakened immune system after antibiotics. Reassuring, and one less thing to worry about.
Later, I visited my old physiotherapist, Taka. Japanese, very tennis-focused, and very different from Bruna. His approach was much rougher and more direct. He worked aggressively on muscle release, especially quads, hamstrings, and calves, which were extremely tight. My leg felt like wood. He also worked on the surgical scars. I thought I had already desensitized them, but he proved otherwise. The pain flared hard, and it was not pleasant, but the difference afterward was undeniable.
He explained how critical it is to keep scars mobile, not letting tissues stick together. That conversation made one thing very clear. A good physiotherapist is worth every cent. This is not the place to save money.
I came home, rested a bit, and finished the day with a Game Ready session. Now it is a waiting game. Let’s see how tomorrow responds.
Key Takeaways
- Recovery is unpredictable and non-linear, even when progress feels real
- Stiffness and loss of extension can return suddenly
- Being physically limited reshapes perspective and builds humility
- Strong support at home makes a huge difference
- Skilled, hands-on physiotherapy is essential and worth the investment
- Scar mobility needs constant attention