Recovering from ACL And MCL tear

Question
Well im recovering from an ACL and MCL tear and im trying to get stronger faster and trying to gain speed alot faaster.  What should I do. im only 14 at  im going to be a freshman next year and i want to be ready for linebacker and runningback.
So Can you tell me what i should do

Answer
Austin
This is a medical/physical therapy question and outside my area of expertise.  Although I have experience as an Athletic trainer, it has been a while and your quest needs to be addressed by a medical professional who can get you rehabbing ASAP.

First, you are 14 years old so you are still growing and developing.  You knee won't present a problem for you.

You need to heal from your injury first.  Then you need to build your strength and stability.  Once you do that your speed will come.  The best thing is that you are young and developing and speed, strength, size all comes with your bodies development.

The rehab time following a knee reconstruction is 12-18 months [at least it used to be when I was a trainer] there may be new techniques that have shorten the rehab time.  Make sure you are going to physical therapy and you are following up with an orthopedist.  Let your doctor know of your desire to play freshman football and ask him what you should do to develop your strength, stability and  speed.

Best of luck. Please follow up with me and let me know how you are doing.
Vic Winnek
NCAA Football Official