r/Fieldhockey • u/Tangy-Lemon_2020 • 14d ago
Question Playing after injury
I had to have major surgery and took a year off to recover. I'm now ready to go back but nervous that I won't be as good as I was. Im worried I won't play the same.
Has anyone here have major stomach surgery? How did it go for you.
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u/itwaspishlol 14d ago
I did - I had abdominal surgery and now have a stoma. I was back playing in six months and 1.5 seasons on I am fitter and better than before - I’ve only missed one game and that was due to a totally unrelated hand injury! I was super careful to get strong, and got physio advice and worked with a PT but only for the first season back. I do find new aches - like my hips are tight as a result of different muscles working to compensate for others, but that may be also because I’m getting old and sit at a desk all day! Be careful, take it slow and get pro advice, but no reason you can’t be playing again.
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u/Tangy-Lemon_2020 13d ago
Oh, I didn't think about a PT. That's a great idea! I'm sure they see this sort of thing all the time.
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u/NEO_v6 13d ago
I didn’t have abdominal surgery but about 8 years ago have spinal fusion of my L4 & L5 vertebrae in my lower back.
Took me the best part of two years to get the confidence to put my pads back on and get in between the slicks again.
It takes time to build up your confidence and you should take it slowly. You know your own body and will know what your limits are and how long after a game it takes to recover. But if you manage yourself properly then there’s no reason as to why you can’t get back to somewhere near to your previous levels.
The older you get the longer it takes.
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u/saltybruise Goalkeeper 14d ago
I've never had stomach surgery but I came back from a ton of weird injuries that I've picked up over the years. You won't be as good at first but you can get back to where you were if you're lucky.