GEMLIFE HIGHFIELDS’ WARREN PARKINSON SET HIMSELF SOME SERIOUS GOALS FOLLOWING BI-LATERAL KNEE REPLACEMENT, AND HE’S GETTING THERE WITH HELP FROM JOSH.
“I started preparing before going into surgery,” he said. “I worked with local physiotherapists who gave me a pre-op program to build strength in the muscles involved in knee movement and stability.
“Statistics show that one can lose up to 30 percent of muscle mass in these groups following surgery.”
The operation took place in January and first month post-operation Warren was walking without assistance, able to bend each knee 120-degrees and was back in the pool for swimming and pool walking. Five months later, he hit his goal of getting back onto the bowling green.
“GemLife’s indoor heated pool with ramp access was a plus in planning my rehabilitation,” he said.
Even though Warren has maintained a great level of fitness all his life thanks to swimming, walking and more recently, lawn bowls, going to the gym didn’t factor into his routine until he met with GemLife Health and Lifestyle Coordinator, Josh Kristenson, for a gym induction.
“Up until that session I had been hesitant to use the gym until I had a better understanding of the equipment,” he said.
“Since then, I have added regular gym sessions to my weekly routine in addition to keeping up with my daily 1km swims. The sitting cycle equipment has been useful in getting motion into each knee.
“I have also used the weight machine to undertake some upper body strengthening exercise, particularly related to some rotator cuff issues I have recently developed due to the swimming.”
Warren said he is aware that recovery will take time – up to 12 months following surgery – and would love Josh’s advice on what he can do to manage some residual swelling in his left knee.
“I am keen to engage further with Josh to explore how specific sessions in the gym might further assist with pain management and increased flexibility,” he said. “My next goal is to be able to safely participate in a hike. Unfortunately, I had to pull out of the recent hike arranged by Josh for Gemlife residents due to the swelling and pain in my left knee.
“I hope to be walking pain free with a normal gait by the end of the year.”