I started early today, up at 5:00 to get a knee tomography ordered by Dr. Sergio. Not sure exactly what he is looking for, but I am curious to see the knee in 3D. Back home for breakfast, then into the day.
Walking feels easier now. That feels good, but it also comes with risk. When confidence rises, I move faster and stop thinking about mechanics. That is when twisting becomes more likely. I have to consciously slow myself down and think through each movement again.
In the afternoon I watched my boys play tennis. Mixed emotions. I am happy to see them enjoying the game, but it is hard not being able to step on court with them. I miss playing more than I expected.
After a short meeting near home, I decided to walk back, about 20 minutes. Longer walks are possible, but they still leave me tired. From there I went straight to the gym to meet Cleyber and officially start physio integrated with gym work.
We began on the bike, seat high at first, then lowering it every two minutes to gently push mobility. The goal was constant stretch, never fully comfortable. We moved into stimulated exercises. Squats, calves, leg extensions. Squatting brought pain around the edge of the patella. Cleyber reassured me this is normal and should improve as strength returns. We pushed through it, but with control.
The session ended with muscle release, more quad activation, and my least favorite part, flexion. Painful. Very painful. The knee reacted with noticeable swelling. Ice and elevation twice before bed.
Key Takeaways
- Increased confidence requires more conscious movement, not less
- Patellar pain during squats is expected at this stage and strength-dependent
- Gym-based physio introduces productive stress but swelling is the signal
- Ice and elevation remain essential after heavier sessions