Hello to all. Very common to see this expectation in prospective LL patients, but why?
The vast majority of people are hobby sports people, gym goers, etc. There is no need for them to be at top levels of function for performance (Yes, I understand some have competitive notions). Real top athletes (pro's) are a minute anomaly, their abilities largely facilitated by their genetics.
Most CLL patients will start lengthening after at least age 25, at which point any apparent athletic prowess would have been well noticeable by now. Also, the vast majority of people have already fulfilled their "sports-obsessed" phase of life, other phases will begin, such as career, families.
In terms of bodybuilding, again, top competitors are determined by genetics (and drugs), for the hobby bodybuilder, an adequate physique can still be obtained with sub-optimal function post-LL (training, diet and "supplements").
The powerlifters. Sure, lever biomechanics are of importance here. Once again, if one was a superior performer you would know. Granted, LL would vastly decrease ones ability at squatting. Does it matter?, will you really be competing at the highest level? Any truly obsessed sportsman would not even consider CLL and would be too engrossed in their training anyway. For the hobbyist (i.e sub-par genetics to be pro) numbers will be irrelevant, you can still chase higher relative numbers on your lifts.
Most of your days will be spent in a resting or a still state (sitting, standing) or maybe walking slowly. Fast movements are rarely required outside of sports. At an estimate, 5 hours of the week of sports is approx 3% of your time. So, 100% of the time being taller or 3% of your time performing at your best (which is likely average anyway).
Sorry to sound harsh, but I am genuinely curious as to why there is such common insistence on full athletic recovery with these points in mind. From my viewing of this forum, there is an air of over-inflated sense of expectation/outcome and perhaps fairytale-like approach and response to LL (over-emotionalizing). IMO, it's just a surgery to break the legs, stretch them and be taller. It hurts, has many possible complications but the result is you will be taller and enjoy higher quality of life after. You will suffer during LL and have to trade-off some physical functions, enough to cause discomfort but should eventually recover to the point of complete function of everyday life tasks, but of course not high-level sports.
The question being, is that really so important anyway? (why, if so?)
Insistence on full athletic recovery. Pro athlete? Some perspective
Thanks for all replies.
@LLCaptain: True! Those new to LL seem to have grand ideas. If only it were that easy...
@maximize: Exactly how i feel too. I would trade athleticism (not basic function) for being taller in a heartbeat! 5'4"-5'7" superstar athletes! Maybe in wrestling, lifting, soccer(?) and marathon running. But remaining short so one can play in a local league, I don't get it either...
@chineseguy: Exactly, moderate training should be more than enough for most people to remain fit and in shape.
@theuprising: That's right. It was only one recent thread which sought "100%" recovery, but it raises an interesting point as to what exact level of post-LL activity people find acceptable or expect to achieve. To you, what should one expect?
@Quincy: Very glad also you are in the thread now. Interesting you say ~90%. How would you define this? Would you expect to play sports regularly after LL? As you say, your biggest concern is with weights. What is your goals in the gym? To lift competitively or to build an attractive physique? I think for the latter very heavy compound lifts are not necessary. Isolation exercises, more controlled motion of the rep, supported (e.g. seated ), maybe less weight more reps (equal overall volume). This should be adequate for building an attractive physique. Also, I think it is fair to say, anyone who does LL is cautious about even climbing stairs, never mind massively weighted ROMs. I'd like to hear your thoughts...
@KiloKAHN: Interesting to note about that study. I would imagine controlled lifting would be possible at high weights. I'd imagine it is the impact of motion that is difficult post-LL. I wonder is there any similar studies concerning running, etc. The question is, would it matter (to the majority) that they can no longer run fluidly for long periods of time. It seems a worthwhile trade-off IMO for being taller. What do you think?
@Thatdude950: Well said. I also have never seen a decent weighted squat post-LL. Also agreed, that simply walking comfortably (with fluid gait) is a challenge one year post-op. I would say that if one has very strong ambitions of lifting monstrous amounts of weight then forget LL. My point is, is that really that important, i.e. it's MUCH better to be taller than be able to lift >350lbs on a DL/squat.
I don't know if my main point was acknowledged but what I am arguing is not of the unattainability of "100%" recovery but rather, in a choice between being taller and performing decently in sports, it is IMO MUCH more desirable to be taller, and also, considering one has already enjoyed a period of sports/lifting is it even so important AT ALL that they return to these activities and why?
I personally believe a 30- 50% recovery of performance function is adequate. Ability to run/jog at 30- 50% speed for even only 10-20% of previous duration is enough for me. Once joint ROM allows a normal gait for walking/standing/sitting then this is enough.
Of course, we have sports enthusiasts here which I would love to hear from, notably
CRIMSONTIDE
SWEDEN
PADDY10TELLIES
What do you think?
@applesandoranges: Yes, true. Conservative amounts (I believe up to 4cm) should retain the likelihood of "acceptable" post-LL function. Problem is 4cm is not very much and could necessitate 2 surgeries (tibia and femur). Still, I wonder if even with <4cm people are as high-level function as before or close to it. I think a good mentality pre-LL is to expect the 30-50% recovery and any more will be a bonus. Low expectation patients will be more satisfied post-LL than those with high expectations.
@ paddy10tellys:
Your perspective is a highly valuable insight to us all here. You have a very active history of many different sports and at a high level for a long period of time, and even considering all of this you said it best with, " I would swap all of that for height". Even at 56 it remains most important (Note to others here: long term regrets will not be valid). That is the central point I was trying to make here, being that in one's pre-LL evaluation, to be taller is vastly more desirable than partaking in competitive sports. Also very interesting in your post you listed your high-achieving sports (rugby and karate) but the more social and seemingly less serious sport of 6-a-side soccer is the best and most enjoyed for you. I think this will be true that even a low level of sports-function post-LL will be enough for people to enjoy the social aspect of sport, which I think will be most important, as most will not be elite performers anyway.
Anyway, best of luck with your LL endeavours!
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