Hi Pete, Bruno,
Thank you guys! Super helpful responses.
Pete:
That’s a super helpful perspective. I guess part of my thing is that being a scientist myself, I like to know what structures are compromised, and therefore what the healing potential is. If the subchondral bone is being damaged because of articular cartilage erosion, then I think it’s important to know that and somehow adapt so that I don’t end up with debilitating arthritis. At the same time, bone has great vasculature, so it can actually heal…
Regarding athletic prognosis, what do you see in your PT practice? Do people get all the way back to being able to jump, run, and even climb big vertical? Its been a bit of an epiphany realizing just how hard mountaineering is on the patellofemoral joint. It’s hard to imagine anything harder on your knees than walking down Mt. Rainier, let alone airing over crevasses on my snowboard.
Lastly, in terms of time frame, you mention “Clearing up the anterior extensor mechanism of pain is a longish process.” Every human and injury is unique, but can you give me any specifics on what other people experience with this?
I had a PT give me a program of doing tons of lunges and squats, and it is for sure just making it worse. So I think a nuanced strategy is going to be key for me. Finding an excellent PT in the Seattle area is proving more challenging than I thought.
Thanks guys, Russell