Major meniscus surgery a year ago - Erg suitable?

[JoLi66]

Hi

I had a major meniscus surgery about a year ago. I have done significant rehab training but feel clear discomfort when running but am OK to cycle and ski. Thus hard vertical impact is not good for me. My question: will I be OK to indoor row? Is anyone in the same situation and can share their experiences?

Thanks!

[timgo]

Hi Jo,

I had meniscus repair and ACL reconstruction in September (so this is month five of rehab). This month I've started rowing, completing 220km so far, and have had no issue from the meniscus. However, I have paused my rowing over the past week due to separate knee issues caused by other physiotherapy (mostly hamstring and calf tendons behind the knee), but this was not related to the rowing.

Of course, you should probably talk to your physio/doctor, but personally I've found it to be excellent exercise - forcing a good range of motion (but not a super deep knee bend with weight), and zero impact. I believe the danger in early stages of meniscus repair (up to 4 months) is the bend beyond 90 degrees which places extra pressure via the femur.

[Hillclimber]

Jo, I have tender knees from many years of basketball, and meniscus surgery in each knee. For me the erg can be painless, or a bit dicey depending on the workload.
The erg can have negative impact - hammering hard sprints at stroke rates of > 40, for example. Or therapeutic - easy 26 rates at, say 2:15 pace, on a damper setting of 1. Point being, unlike running, the erg gives you a choice of knee compression level.
Your PT would be the best resource.

[mdpfirrman]

I had major reconstruction when I was 41. I wish I had access to a Concept2 then. Stationary bike is great, but I would think that the rower would be fine too. You probably know by now what you're capable of. Meniscus damage, if repaired (to the degree they can repair it) is mostly pain tolerance. In my case, it took a year to walk and two years not to walk with a limp but I literally shredded mine off. Only reason I don't have a replacement is I was too young for it. Pain gets better over time. I actually started rowing when I developed Runner's knee in my so called "good knee" this past year. I was doing 6 mile hard trail runs at 49 after not running for decades. It's funny how when doc tells you "your running days are over" how that drives you to prove them wrong. Now, after running three years, I've rediscovered the rowing machine and it's one thing that I can really get a fantastic burn on while not aggravating the Runner's knee. I'm hooked.

Just gauge it carefully, lots of ice and rest when you need it and refer to a doc if something doesn't seem right. You get to know "sore" pain from structural pain after a while I suppose. I don't even take aspirin now (same bad knee though).