Skating after ACL reconstruction

Question
I recently tore my ACL & meniscus after a ski fall. I am an artistic skater, and very concerned about being away for such a long time. I am even more concerned about my ability to return to the rink. What has been your experience working with injured skaters and their ability to return to their pre-injury/surgery level of skill, speed, flexibility and agility? I would appreciate any perspective (all other sites focus on soccer, football, running, or basketball athletes).

Thanks in advance,
Tosha

Answer
Hi Tosha,
  I suppose your doctor would be the one to ask about that.  My opinion would be with the right kind of physical therapy, you should be able to get your skills back.  If you're talking about freestyle, that may be a different story but if you're talking about dance or figures, I would think once you have healed and have the muscle tone back you should back to your old self again on skates.

  Take time to let it heal and let the physical therapist do there job.  If you try to take short cuts or try to get back on your skates to soon you may damage something permanently and never skate again.  So be patient, get your range of motion back and your muscle tone.  

  When it's time to put your skates on again, take it slow and easy allowing your knee to get use to being used again.

  Like I said....that's just my opinion.  Hopefully you have a sports doctor who can tell you better than I can.

  Good Luck
       Pat