Hi All,
I’ll try to keep this as short as possible.
In October of 2005 I dislocated and broke my ankle in 3 places. I had a few screws holding everything together which were eventually removed in February 2006.
In the meantime I was in physiotherapy and still going to the gym but my ankle mobility and strength was horrible. After listening to a bunch of local “professionals” I decided to look elsewhere for some help since my progress was painfully slow and other parts of my body were beginning to feel the effects.
I was walking with a significant limp, I had developed lower back pain and my hip and knee were also starting to bother me. Prior to the injury I was in pretty decent shape- certainly no Thib but no slouch either.
In late February I stumbled upon Eric Cressey’s website and it stated he designs programs for individuals specializing in, among other things, rehab. I took a look at his credentials (which are quite impressive) and decided I would send him an email to see if he could help me out. After a few emails about my history, what was bothering me and what my goals were, he took me on as a client.
Eric designed me a program that focused on my weaknesses. Unfortunately for me the weaknesses I had were not limited to my ankle injury but also to years and years of working out improperly. These deficiencies included anterior weight-bearing, poor glute medius/maximus firing pattern, and classic postural abnormalities - anterior pelvic tilt, forward head posture, rounded shoulders, etc. (his words not mine)
I began the program and was floored at how simple they appeared on paper but in practice they were very difficult. Each month the workouts changed and became more and more taxing as I became a better “athlete” (for lack of a better term).
I swear I sent Eric hundreds of emails asking question after question and always received a prompt courteous reply. Eric was never condescending no matter how elementary the question. He was always positive and encouraging knowing in the back of his mind things would come around, it would just take time.
Fast forward 6 months later to the present day. After hours of mobility drills, GPP, foam rolls, stretching and working out I am now able to walk normally. My ankle mobility and strength has increased dramatically and I feel great!
Not only can I walk, I can run (no marathons - although who wants to do that anyway) which was truly a dream 6 months ago. I can squat without any problem, my bench has gone through the roof and my wimpy deadlifts are a thing of the past.
I am certain had Eric not taken me on as a client I would still be limping around with back pain and a non functional ankle. The medical profession offered me no help whatsoever. The surgeon only wanted to do more surgery, the physiotherapist only wanted to see me daily so he could collect his fees and the chiropractor became complacent with his treatment plan.
In the end I was the one who was stuck with riding a stationary bike, tens and ultrasound as a rehab program. I could go on for pages about the whole process but that is not the point.
Eric, I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank you for everything you have done for me. Your commitment to me has inspired me to push harder than I ever thought I could and to do things I never thought were possible. Without your knowledge and guidance I am certain I would not be where I am today and for that I say THANK YOU.
Joe