Once a again I have to apologize for not writing a newsletter for my website more often. However, I have continued to work on my M.A.T. educational courses. Again, M.A.T. is the acronym for Myofascial Advantage Transformation, the theory and process I use in the clinic. I am close to finishing, but still not completed.
Also, I have been dealing with some health issues that has forced me to cancel some of my workload in the clinic. I am sure many of you have heard me say my left knee is a problem. In 1972, I had surgery to repair my left medial collateral ligament and meniscus from a fall while training for 1972 Olympics. In retrospect, I feel what happened to me after that surgery is a major factor of the knee pain I am experiencing today. I was put in a straight leg case and non weight bearing for three months. Remember, this surgery occurred before arthroscopic surgery for the knee was the norm.
Many of you also know that I do not believe surgery is always the best option for knee and joint pain. Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy (M.A.T.), medication, and lifestyle changes are often more effective as I have preached over the years. Surgery is only considered when conservative methods fail or for structural damage from severe injuries or advanced arthritis as I now have in my left knee.
I have been working on my alignment with M.A.T. exercises as well as receiving hyaluronic acid injections for the knee which are a treatment involving injecting a gel-like substance to help lubricate and cushion the knee joint. I have received a series of three injections twice to both knees and a third time to my right knee.
Orthovisc is described aș a viscoelastic supplement or a replacement for synovial fluid in human joints. It is well suited for treatment of the symptoms of human synovial joint dysfunctions such as osteoarthritis of the knees. The actions of Orthovisc are lubrication and mechanical support of the joint. In my case, I am glad to say that knee pain is 70% better. However, my left knee because of its history of trauma does not seem to change any further. That is why I got an injection to my right knee this last time and went for an orthopedic consultation with Dr. Hanosh of Lovelace.
In looking at my x-rays and talking to Dr. Hanosh, I came to the realization that my left knee cannot get better without surgical intervention because of the advanced arthritis. I have compensated on my left knee after surgery in 1972 for far too long.
I am writing this because I don’t want to sound like a hypocrite after telling many of clients that surgery is not the best and only option for their musculoskeletal pain. I truly feel I had no choice. Therefore, I am scheduled to have a left total knee done on March 04 by Dr. Hanosh.
At this time, I will continue to work in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 am to 3 pm. I am cutting down my hours to prepare for this surgery. I will work up until that last week in February 2026. I hope you understand.
Terry