Safety in Rollerblading for knee injuries

Question
Dear Pat,

I am 51 years of age and in good health and shape.  I got a knee ligament torn in 1980 in judo class.  After that I was afraid to do sports especially rollerblading.  Up till then I had only rollerskated in the streets of Manhattan before it became popular.  But because I was afraid of reinjuring my knee I never learned the newer rollerblading on the silent wheels.  But I don't have any fun anymore, and I miss having fun.  I recently started getting physical therapy to strengthen my knee and was told its ok to rollerblade.  I never was operated on in l980, as I refused it.  Instead I opted just for physical therapy, which worked.  I look forward to you answering my question, and if you want to call me my number at work direct is 212-940-3809.  Thanks Pat!

Answer
Hi,
   I understand what you're saying about your knee trouble but I'm not quite sure if I understand what the actual question is.

   I'll take a stab at what I think your asking and if I'm wrong, feel free to write me with more info.

   As long as your Dr has given you permission to try rollerblading, then it's up to you to get out there and try it.  If you've roller skated in the past, you should have no trouble rollerblading.  One of the differences you will find is that you may have to lean forward a little more than you would with roller skates.

   The push is a little different and is not as free flowing as roller skating.  You have to turn your toes outward more for traction and push a little harder, which you may feel in your bad knee.   

   With winter coming, I would suggest you find an indoor rink.  You can rollerblade or rollerskate...they allow both.  This actually might be better for your knee anyway.  Being that it's a smooth surface, the effort and stress on the knees will be less.

   If your not having fun doing what you've been doing then I would suggest you check into classes or private lessons at your local rink.  They can show you a fun side of skating and introduce you to many new people who have the same interests.

   There are many sides of skating that most people aren't aware of and they can be done on both inlines or roller skates.   There is Artistic dance skating which is like ballroom dancing on skates.  There is figure skating which is excellent for focusing and balance.  There is freestyle skating which involves jumps and spins and there is also speed skating.  

   So, if your tired of just skating in circles, I would suggest you talk to one of the instructors at a local rink and see what they have to offer.  

   I hope this answers your question but if not, please feel free to write again.
                               Pat

PS:  To sum up rollerblading......stand up, bend your knees, point your toes outward and start pushing by putting pressure on the big toe of the skate that is doing the pushing.
           Now start having some fun!

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Hi,
  I received your other note and understand that your question is....can hurt your knee again if you rollerblade.

  As much as I would like to say no you would never hurt it again, it's just not that easy.  It's a sport and with all sports there's a potential danger. Accidents happen!   We never plan on them but they happen all the time.   The actual skating may be good for your knee to build it back up but there are no guarantees that you won't hurt it again.

    I guess the decision will have to be up to your own good judgement.  If you decide to try it, just go slow and be very careful.  Get the feel of the skates, know what your capable of doing and skate accordingly.  

    That's about the best advice I can give you.  Wish I could be more help but like I said before, there are no guarantees.

Good Luck
Pat