Knee Replacement Recovery: Active Life

if only we all looked younger as we got older... I've gotten curious about something lately:  is it possible to get back into the kind of shape I was in during my 20s? And by that, I don't mean being as thin, fit or having the same kind of endurance. I mean being able to do the things I want, like hiking or alpine touring, and keeping up with my fit friends.  Listening to podcasts like Becoming Ellie and Gabby Reece's , I've come to the conclusion that my goals should be to increase durability in order to create longevity. I was listening to an episode of Gabby's podcast when she had her husband Laird Hamilton and their trainer, Kelly Starrett (who, incidentally, I found to be obnoxiously egotistical - I would NOT recommend his advice that you know more than your doctor does) as guests to discuss their joint replacement surgery (Gabby and Kelly had their knees replaced, Laird had his hip replaced).  I did find that a few things that Kelly said resonated with me: ...

out for a walk! My total knee replacement happened four weeks ago on Tuesday, and while I have to say I am still experiencing pain and discomfort, things really started to turn a corner at four weeks: - I can make a full revolution - forward and backward - on the bike! I have to admit, it was terrifying the first time I did it.  I couldn't do it at week 3 - it felt like my quad right above my knee was going to tear (or explode, really).  It seemed like it might be doable pedaling backward, but no way going forward. At PT yesterday (week 4 plus one day), I did it! My physical therapist set the seat higher than I would normally ride, and encouraged me that the pain I was feeling at the top of the pedal stroke would not get worse if I went all the way around - and being able to pedal would really help with swelling, mobility and pain.  The first time around was terrifying I have to admit (so crazy how things you didn't know could be things - like learning to walk again - can...