[Brandon]

Hi Josh,

I can’t offer any help or suggestions, but I’ve been dealing with a neck/shoulder thing for about a month now which has been affecting my training, so I feel your frustration. Sorry you are dealing with that. Hang in there, sounds like you are doing all the right things!

[Josh]

Thank you for the support, Brandon. It is much appreciated and motivational.

[Ray]

Hey Josh – when I had right shoulder reconstruction surgery a bit over a year ago, my right shoulder was completely immobilized for 8 weeks post-surgery (followed by 4 months of incremental rehab). I continued with my WC training even when I couldn’t use my right arm – by working on other things that didn’t involve my right shoulder (there are a ton of things!). My left arm (non-dominant) became so much stronger/flexible/capable – it was incredible. As my right shoulder healed and my Rehab guy felt I could incorporate more WC activities with it (gradually), I did so. The surgery turned out to be an opportunity to radically improve othter areas of my WC while unable to use my right shoulder – a pleasant surprise!

[Josh]

Fantastic point!!!! PT said I need to focus even more on quad strength to help with the twisting and pivots that we do. This injury gives me a chance to really focus on that. I have to stretch and strength train multiple times daily. What a great tip and way to look at this. THANK YOU!

[Dustin]

Josh,

The important thing here is that you recover first and foremost. In times like this, I would recommend working on parts of refinement that you can isolate and focus on–something that gives your knee a break, but also still allows you to train. I haven’t had any knee injuries in the past (knock on wood) but I’ve dealt with back spasms, and the way I would work around it is doing something seated. Not ideal to say the least, but it allowed me to focus on some other things for the moment. There have been times where I’ve twisted my ankle, so my Siu Nim Tao became a one-legged Siu Nim Tao.

Something else to consider: if this knee injury is on your dominant side, this can also be an opportunity for you to take note of any struggles you might have on your non-dominant side. You may find that your non-dominant side does some things better than you expect.

[Josh]

Thank you, Dustin. I am doing just that at this point.

[Josh]

What a great response! Thank you all so much! I am taking a bit of wisdom from each and every one of you. What a community to be a part of. Thank you, All!

[Chris Villareal]

Hello Josh,

I would consider the proper nutrients and supplements to aid in recovery. Ask your PT or doctor first, if Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, (collagen synthesis), Vitamin D Calcium (bone/muscle strength), zinc, turmeric, and glucosamine/chondroitin are a good idea.

When I experience an injury, I try to stay connected. Yet, I’ll go very light and very slow as long as I don’t exacerbate what hurts. Listen to your body my brother (it knows best), give it good nutrition to mend, and do not neglect a good night sleep on a regular basis.

[Deb]

Hi Josh. Sorry to hear you have an injury. I had a knee injury around 3 years ago that just didn’t want to heel. I know it was an injury because I know how I hurt it, but the doctor said it was arthritis. Anyway, last year I started with the Dragon Family and have been doing Sifu’s warm-ups. A few months ago I added goblet squats and single-leg raises and about a week ago I added single-leg squats. These are are all Dragon Family YouTubes. What…a…difference!!! My knee rarely bothers me any more! Keep up with your PT. So many people couldn’t be bothered with PT exercises. I’ve had several sets of those too for upper and lower back. It feels like you’re not doing anything sometimes, but I’ll tell you what, they are magic! Be patient. Keep us posted on your progress.

[William]

Hi Josh,

I know how you feel. I haven’t really shared this, but the reason I started getting more interested in wing chun is because after a mild stroke several months ago, and from losing motor function in my left leg for a couple weeks, the only “martial” thing I could do once I was able to stand with a walker was siu nim tao that I had learned briefly from some formal lessons when I was 16. I had quite a background in martial art: boxing, jeet kune do, judo, brazilian jiu jitsu, taijutsu – but after this traumatic event, I could not really move my leg so all I could do was siu nim tao. After several days, to my astonishment, my leg and foot were making an extremely quick turnaround. I started doing siu nim tao every day and night, and I was walking with just a cane in a week. My goal was to do chum kiu with its pivoting footwork. After about a month, I could do so, and really started trying to perfect it. I am now nearly 100% recovered (no issues or anything terminal) and have joined a Leung Ting school in my hometown as well to explore the art as much as I can. Even though I give the miracle up to my Faith, I feel wing chun was an art that actively healed me. Even an old right shoulder injury I have is starting to change and heal a bit now too, and trust me, it got in the way of the structure needed for wing chun, so I know the frustration.

Keep up with your PT, find ways around the limitation for now, and know that each bit of training will bring you to a deeper understanding of the art and its feel. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Hope that helps.

Will