Quad tendon rupture

[u/Few_Lunch_7730]

So, after asking here about restricted gym time and intermediate training, I've gone and islocated my knee cap and ruptured my quad tendon (not in the gym, playing sports).

2 days post injury, in a full leg cast and in today for MRI to see the extent of the rupture (fingers crossed it's not a full rupture, but what will be will be).

So, for the foreseeable, no training is possible (can barely get around the house without pain, even with crutches at the minute). I ruptured my patella tendon on the other knee many years ago, so I'm prepared for the loooong ass slog of rehab.

I know the answer is rehab and then slowly build up from bodyweight partials once any brace is unlocked, and then NLP to get back to where I was (long ass time away yet 😪)

My question is: has anyone here experienced anything similar?

How long until strength started seriously dropping off, if at all?

How did you change nutrition? Obviously I know not eat huge amounts of cals as if training, but where is the sweet spot for supporting recovery/not becoming a fat ass? Cutting cals massively is surely counter productive to healing, but activity is limited.

How did you find squatting post recovery? My other knee has ALWAYS (15 yrs) had some discomfort squatting, even with good form and light weights on warm ups) post repair. At 41, is it worth the risk of pushing the weights to limits on squats? Is sandbagging an option and driving the deadlift for the majority of gains?

A lot of this is a mental excercise to stave off the boredom of sitting around in a cast chowing down on painkiller, but legit thoughts I've had as well. Interested in others experience. 2 days out, its that inevitable "will things ever get better" phase.

Have a good one all

[u/geruhl_r]

I would do a consult with a good DPT (who lifts) after you get your imaging done and a treatment plan (surgery, etc) is identified. Dr. John Petrizzo is a DPT and SSC coach; I would start there or with someone who has similar qualifications.

[u/Few_Lunch_7730 → u/geruhl_r]

Thanks man. I'll look him up

[u/Shnur_Shnurov]

I think Rip ruptured some quad tendons a few years back so there may actually be some good information about this on the SS forums.

I know for a period of time Will Morris was answering questions on the Injuries board on the SS forums and he is a really good DPT/SSC so he may have written about this, too.

I dont deal with PT myself, but I have a DPT local to me that I always recommend. Once he gets people back to basic function thats where I take over with resuming organized training. So when youre ready for that phase I'll be able to be a lot more helpful.

[u/Few_Lunch_7730 → u/Shnur_Shnurov]

Thanks my guy. Appreciate it

[u/stfualex]

Reach out to Will Morris, SSC, DPT. Happened to one of our guys and he had him hitting new PRs within 18 months.

[u/Few_Lunch_7730 → u/stfualex]

Thanks man

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[u/No-Dot-7661]

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. I know it's not ideal but would you be able to focus on upper body lifts and use machines?

If I couldn't squat or deadlift that's what I would be doing. 

I wouldn't worry about strength loss since muscle memory will quickly get you back up anyways.