Back On His Feet – Integrated Support Team at CSIC Steer Moffatt’s Recovery Following a Meniscus Tear.

Slopestyle skier Max Moffatt and his mother moved to Calgary, from Ontario, a few weeks before the beginning of high school to reduce his travel to and from Calgary- based training camps and take advantage of flexible education opportunities the National Sport School (NSS) offers. Max fell during training early in the fall tearing his right meniscus. As a member of the Development National Team the injury occurred at the worst possible time; the beginning of the competitive season. There is never a good time for an injury and this was clearly not part of the transition plan.

The 16 year-old has been in recovery-mode since the injury. He is guided by CSIC staff Kevin Wagner, Lisa Hoffart, his physiotherapists and Steven Brazil, his strength and conditioning coach, to ensure this young athlete is back on his feet as soon as possible.

Max was not allowed to put weight on his foot for the first 2 months of his recovery. The HydroWorx Underwater Treadmill (a world class rehabilitation technology offered at the WinSport Medicine Clinic) was an instrumental piece of equipment for Max to access so that he could exercise to maintain strength during this phase of recovery. The treadmill permits no more than 50% of Max's body weight on his leg at any given moment. Max typically uses it twice a week, constantly attempting new movements he was unable perform in the earlier stages of recovery, some which are surprisingly similar to those he performs on his skis. A swimmer from the NSS provided Max with a flutter board which reproduces similar sensations to his sport while under water. Physiotherapist Hoffart believes Max will regain full motion without risk of re-injury by using this technology.

*Watch Underwater Video-1

*Watch Underwater Video-2

It is known that an athlete's core weakens when there is an extensive use of crutches. Strength coach Steve Brazil focused on those core muscles as the first part of his rehabilitation. Now that he is off crutches, Max is working on building his overall strength back to prepare him for on-snow training when he is cleared to train by his physician.

Max's coach is grateful to the CSI team implementing Max's rehabilitation and is confident he will be in form again to compete at the end of the season. Max is thrilled with the treatment direction CSIC is coordinating noting "even though I never want to be injured again, if it has to happen I'd hope it happens here; the facility and people are amazing and I feel like I have the best support I could get."

CSIC team wishes Max a fast recovery!

Canadian Sport Institute Calgary: @csicalgary

Photo by Dave Holland: @csicalgaryphoto