Tonight, for the first time in 3 years, I played badminton with no pain I sprained my ankle badly 3 years ago, and have had pain in both ankles, knees and shins ever since. The pain moves around, gets better or worse, but it never goes away. I also have collapsed arches, which I was unware of until recently. These are probably more significant than the old injury. I was feeling quite good most of the night, but for the last four games the pain disappeared completely. It was a completely different experience. Suddenly, I'm able to move without any fear or instability. My legs feel like springs, not rusty hinges. My ankles, instead of trembling when I hit the ground, are strong and bouncy - I can move quickly in any direction with just a flex of my ankles. All the time during a rally, when I would normally be standing, I'm bouncing on the spot with little flexes of the ankles. I'm much faster around the court. Almost every rearcourt shot is a smash, and about 70% of smashes are immediate winners. My opponents give my funny looks and shake their heads. It's by far the best badminton I've ever played. I play so intensely that I start to huff and puff. Normally, I don't get very tired playing doubles - my fitness is pretty good. But, moving at top speed for a few games, I soon start to lose my breath. And it feels good I don't know if it will stay this way; realistically, I know I'm not free from pain for long. But it's a very encouraging sign. This is a dream come true for me. I do not plan to wake up
Congrats, very encouraging sign! You must have been reading this post http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24128 about the magnets huh
Ha Here are the main factors that I believe have influenced my recovery: Top-quality physiotherapy. Cycling instead of running. Cycling is non-impact, so better for the joints and shins; it also strengthens the legs, protecting the knees from injury. Getting away from my desk and computer when I'm working. I now try to work somewhere comfortable and relaxing, and use the computer only when necessary (special exception for BF of course ). Continuing to play badminton, and only stopping when I feel at risk of further injury.
Yup! Rather than just treat the pain, one has gotta strengthen the area as well. My knees are getting much better these days due to exercise. Recovery period is shorter. Wall-chairs and free squats are what did the trick for me. Glad to hear of your good news, Gollum! Keep up with the cycling!
Same here with my knee...it's gotten a bit better due to some needed strengthening. I'm not strong enough to do some free squats yet, but I can handle wall-chairs. I mainly work my quads and hamstrings. The specialist says that my calf is well developed already so I don't really need to focus on it as much as the other muscles.
Er... maybe I haven't clarify what free squats are. Free squats are just squats you do at high repetitions (usually 50-100 reps) without weights. I am sure you can do it too... it's just your bodyweight afterall.
No no...I knew what you were talking about. I can't do squats...to make sure I can't, I just tried it right now. I can't do it...
