Ski Injury Recovery

Question:

I have been running for more than 20 years but fractured my tibial plateau while skiing in January. How long should I wait before I resume running?

Answer: By Jim Dunleavy, PT, MS

As you now aware, a tibial plateau fracture can be debilitating. When you can resume your previous recreational activities is contingent on a number of things. First, the type of fracture makes a difference. If it was displaced or if the surgeon had to open up the knee to repair it, the healing process can be longer. Second, your age is a factor as your knees typically have more difficulty managing high compressive forces like those produced while running with age.

Once your surgeon has cleared you to resume running, consider seeing a physical therapist who can evaluate and develop a personalized plan of care to help you safely return to running. A physical therapist can prescribe a strengthening and stretching program to ensure you have sufficient muscle strength and range of motion of the knee to resume running without causing further damage or future injuries. A slow and gradual increase in running time and distance is strongly recommended to give your body the chance to adapt to the change in activity.

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Biographical Information

Physical Therapist and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member James M. Dunleavy, PT, MS, is administrative director of rehabilitation services at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Programs at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Utica College. Dunleavy is currently serving as APTA’s New York Chapter president where he has also held the positions of treasurer, district chair, and district director to the chapter board. An active member of APTA, Dunleavy founded APTA’s Acute Care Section and served as its president from 1992-1997. He has held various other volunteer positions within the association including serving on the committee on sections from 1997-1998 and as a director on APTA’s Board of Directors from 1998-2004. In 2005, Dunleavy was the recipient of APTA’s Lucy Blair Service Award. APTA’s Acute Care Section Leadership Award was first given to Dunleavy and is now named after him. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Manhattan College and his Master’s of Physical Therapy from Columbia University.