Injury is often an uninvited guest in the life of an athlete. It arrives unannounced, and its departure is uncertain, often leaving a lasting impact. My story is about such an injury, a knee injury, that changed the course of my life. What started as a misdiagnosed wound during a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) competition led me down a long and winding road of recovery, filled with physical therapists, alternative training programs, and the looming prospect of surgery.

The Onset: A BJJ Competition

The fateful incident occurred during a BJJ competition. In the heat of the match, I sustained what I would later learn was a significant knee injury. Initially misdiagnosed, I continued to live and train under the shadow of an undefined, persistent knee pain. Every physical therapist that I would see would recommend some exercises, however, months would pass and I still couldn’t find any relief.

Some 6 months after the injury I had to give up on training completely as my knee was so unstable, painful and weak that training has become a chore instead of a pleasure.

Discovering Ben Patrick and His Revolutionary Program

Just as I was about to lose hope, I stumbled upon Ben Patrick, better known as the “@Kneesovertoes guy,” and his training program, ATG (Athletic Truth Group). His revolutionary approach to knee health and strength offered a glimmer of hope. I decided to take the leap and committed to his ‘Zero’ program.

For the next two months, I religiously followed the Zero program, focusing on gaining mobility and strength without any weight-bearing exercises. Following this, I transitioned to the Dense program, which introduced weighted exercises. The programs were challenging but also rewarding.

I initially purchased his book Zero from Amazon and instantly loved the simple exercises and how it made me feel right after performing them. Pumping muscles that support your knee with blood created some sort of cushion for the knee, so, for some time I could walk without pain.

The Result: A New Lease of Life

After four months of committed training, I saw remarkable improvement. The program was so effective that I could actually stop doing it. My knee was stronger than it had been in months. I could actually start doing some High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts, jump, enjoy hiking, and even do a bit of running—activities that seemed impossible just months earlier.

The Current Challenge: A Mechanical Issue

Despite my progress, however, I was not completely out of the woods. Medical consultations revealed that my knee problems were likely mechanical in nature, potentially a ruptured meniscus. Surgery is possible on the horizon. However, I can still enjoy a range of activities while waiting to see a medical professional (I am in Canada, so, it’s VERY complicated).

Conclusion

Injury is an unwelcome part of the athletic journey, but it is also a powerful teacher. My journey through injury, misdiagnosis, and recovery has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of being proactive about my health. While the road ahead may still have its challenges, I am better equipped to face them, one step at a time.

One important thing that keeps me hopeful is that even if I have to go through surgery, I now know exactly what I will have to do to recover and get stronger than ever!

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If you found my story relatable or inspiring, please share it with others who may be facing similar challenges. And remember, no matter what physical challenges you face, there are always solutions out there, and recovery is possible.