Is Aaron Rodgers Crazy for Pushing His Achilles Injury Rehab? Doctor Reacts

Aaron Rodgers wants to return this season, and so far is pushing his Achilles injury rehab along at a good pace.
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I'm a doctor and a sports fan and this channel is dedicated to exploring the unique medical side of the world of sports, including NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC, and many more! Breaking down the biggest what ifs, historical injuries and stories, and making learning about medicine fun and relevant for all sports fans!
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[@ethanmurray5882]

This reminds me of Nikolai Schirmer, he’s a pro skier who tore his Achilles but was back in the mountains in 15 weeks! Having your foot locked in a ski boot is different than running and playing football, but his recovery timeline was still crazy impressive. He posted a video about his recovery, it gives some insight into the process.

[@hourglass4208]

As someone who snowboards, it is a lot harder on your achiles than you would think. Yes, your foot is locked in place, but you're constantly flexing your calf while turning. Specifically, toe side turns put quite a bit of pressure on that tendon.

[@telamb9]

Who? E for effort I guess.

[@JK.Palomba]

​@@telamb9Your dad must've walked out on you when you were a baby.

[@clemowhatever]

Aksel Lund Svindal also used a special boot

[@grandaddy0807]

His videos give me anxiety and that stuff generally doesn't bother me

[@malekodesouza7255]

When I blew my ACL I remember asking the orthopedic surgeon about overall recovery time line. At the time Jerry Rice was back playing after only 9 months, post-op. The doc laughed and said “ You’re not Jerry Rice”. 😂. Roger that, doc…

[@czycam]

How long was it for you then lol? I’m due for my ACL reconstruction in a month.

[@octo18]

I’m a foot and ankle surgeon in Panama🇵🇦 and I have a similar protocol for this procedure in my non-athletes patients. Walking on a boot or partial weightbearing with crutches 2 weeks after a midsubstance speed brigde is fine…I have colleagues in Chile who do it after 1 week, the important part is the next part of therapy and not overdoing it. Like you VERY WELL said, that part we will have no idea how he is progressing unless we are there treating him. Love you videos! Keep them coming!

[@Baci302]

Thanks for you input. But playing football again this season? That seems crazy. What do you think?

[@octo18]

@@Baci302 Is like Brian said in the video. He could be back forcing it a bit because his position, does not require as much explosion as other positions, or other sports. In my opinion if he were to come back soon he won’t be a 100%, my question is will he be able to take 100% of snaps…I’ve only seen Cam Akers come back in 5.5 months, his position needs more burts, he was not 100%, but he had a limited role…QBs don’t…🤷🏻‍♂️ It’ll be interesting to see how the recovery develops, It WILL give us another case that shows how much more we can push the recovery from this surgery.

[@Emiljon]

@@octo18 How much HGH do you think would be required to get this guy in the game this season?

[@kingme1025]

@@Emiljon😂😂😂

[@cuatevega]

@@Emiljontoda la posible

[@dorkistry]

I don't see anyone mentioning Max Pacioretty. He tore his achilles and returned to playing NHL hockey after 5 months. Lasted 5 games before he tore it again. A fast recovery for Rodgers would be great, but there is nothing to gain by playing this season.

[@HockeyMC5989]

Exactly what I was thinking, would love to hear Brians take on this

[@karlk9316]

After seeing descriptions of the new and improved type of surgery Aaron Rodgers underwent, I am completely revising my skeptical reply. I believe Aaron Rogers has the right medical procedures, physical therapists, personal moxie, and expert physicians to succeed in returning this season without further injury.

[@dorkistry]

@@karlk9316 This! Well said

[@migueljmartinez1108]

@@karlk9316we don’t need him to impress anybody he’s a veteran we understand 😂

[@chicken29843]

From what I know he has had some different surgery than the typical Achilles repair but I could be wrong about that I'm not a doctor.

[@wchops7578]

He wants to come back this year. Crazy man

[@vipahman]

That's because he wants out before he is 40. Rodgers is history!

[@atkascha]

@@vipahman he's unfortunately going to pull a Wentz or RG3 and try for 1 more season, and because he won't have that ability to buy 2 or 3 more seconds... like he's done for nearly 20 years... he's going to get hit a lot more. He's not Brady, or Manning, or to a lesser extent Jimmy G. They are all statues, who just stand there and get rid of the ball in less than 3 seconds, every play. Its how Brady didn't have a big injury in the last 12 years of his career. Can't hit him if he doesn't have the ball. Rodgers has always scrambled or bought time with running around. 40 year old on 1 and a half achilles won't be good

[@shaibaggs3639]

My boy Brian got a lil beef going haha love it. Overall I'm going to listen to the guy with M.D by his name. Speedy recovery Aaron I hope you come back in 4 months 🙏🏾

[@adamweber1545]

A major requirement for a NFL QB pocket passer is the ability to maneuver within the pocket and take a hit from opposing defensive players, which can mean having to bare the weight of another player pulling, pushing, and thrusting the QB to the ground. Therefore, the Achilles tendon has to be durable enough to withstand that type of load and stress. Something most people don’t have to worry about.

[@johnjunietify]

Sounds like he's got goals and is motivated to keep moving forward. Whether all of his goals are met in his timeline remains to be seen. I think Dr. Sutterer hit the nail on the head with the speed of recovery being determined by the success of the Jets. But clearly the clip that has everyone ablaze is of Aaron partial weight bearing.

[@freecycle53215]

Dan Marino stated his Achilles healed with a bit more slack than prior to the injury and it did affect him. I think he still played well, but I think he wasn’t a terribly mobile quarterback to begin with and his mobility was completely gone after his injury. I will be interested to see Rodgers footwork after the injury as I think his footwork is a big part of his effectiveness.

[@MarkSpizzle]

He’s cooked for sure

[@rickyd2929]

Lmao I've seen Rodgers get killed for his footwork all the time, the elasticity of his arm is what people always give him credit for

[@jkallday52]

@@rickyd2929him being able to extend plays has always been what people hype up about him. Soooo WHAT THE fvck ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT 😂

[@drumusic5665]

​@@rickyd2929you are blatantly wrong 😂

[@drumusic5665]

Cam Akers just came back and didn't miss a beat and he plays Running Back. He also is like 24 😂 That being the most recent example is note worthy considering Dan played in the 80s It is a more common injury in basketball and has absolutely zapped players of there talent. I think treatment has come a long way but I also think you can't treat age. We will see.

[@MilkpoFarms]

Even as a bears fan seeing this from rodgers shows how much heart the guy has. Hate him or not you gotta give some respect for the dude.

[@joebuffy1840]

You can tell he helped Jordan Love. He learned from Brett Fabre what not to do.

[@BallsworthBallsbury]

A classy show of respect to your team owner. 👏

[@jimgabrielsen]

It is heart or is it being a little crazy and thinking he's invincible? I'm honestly torn

[@MilkpoFarms]

@@BallsworthBallsbury 😂 I gotta treat our owner well what can I say.

[@jimgabrielsen]

I'd argue it's harder to just listen to your doctor and take it easy. Tendons are not heavy vascularized like muscles are so there's little reason to be walking on it so soon and potentially messing up the healing process. There are about a dozen other ways to get your heart rate going without walking on a freshly torn achilles@@Rileyed

[@johnrill4612]

Thank you. This was a very good presentation that help me understand the situation. I would like to see some more detail on his Achilles rupture and how the surgery was done to effect a positive outcome.

[@jasonmenken8910]

During the game, they said he is doing 5 hours of treatment a day. I have no idea what that entails, but the average person is not going to have anything close to that.

[@93KJBrown]

Hey Doc, big fan. You mentioned Cam Akers briefly in this video, and I was legitimately stunned when he came back after five months. You also mentioned that the position Rodgers plays is different than his. How did Akers do it at that position and at that young of an age?

[@daveclark8337]

You just said it: Cam did it when he was a Young 22. When you get older, it takes longer for the body to heal. And Cam was cleared to practice at 5 1/2 months. 40 year old Rodgers is NOT playing this year. He's just blowing smoke.

[@frankieruiz1555]

People freak out too much, I had a ACL tear patient doing hip bridges and single leg balance drills 4 weeks after surgery. The surgeon always sends their protocols to the rehab team, all we do is follow it and ensure safety.

[@Strive4GreatnessPOP]

I tore my achilles jan 2 and surgery on jan 11. I took my cast off myself after 3 weeks. After hours of research i decided early weight bearing was the approach i wanted to take. I had a slight limp the forst month but by march i was walking almost normal again with minor swelling and soreness. I was shooting baskets again by april and played my first full court game by may. The main reason for my decision was to reduce muscular atrophy in my calf muscle. So happy i went this route.

[@Des_from_the_Wes]

Were you cleared by a doctor or did your pain just subside enough for you to play confidently?

[@trump45and2zig-zags]

That's wild bud, hope you made the right choice down the road!

[@paulhupka8928]

Crazy I tore mine aug 11 and was walking after 2 weeks with no assistance

[@Strive4GreatnessPOP]

@@Des_from_the_Wes my surgeon Dr. Domingo Cheleuitte who is a Harvard grad and a wonderful surgeon said no running for 1 year that was at my four month check up 😂 I was like yes doctor no running lol but I honestly just did a lot of research and listened to my body if I felt any discomfort a certain way I walked than I made sure to be careful not to walk that way if it felt okay than I knew I was good and I started physical therapy right away also but was way more progressed than the timeframe of the exercises I should've been doing and they couldn't believe it

[@Strive4GreatnessPOP]

@@trump45and2zig-zags yes we shall see! I read too many stories about people who just let go after their achilles gained weight messed up their knees the musclar atrophy all which led to depression so if I'm suffering in the future which will probably be minimal if anything (knock on wood) I'll take that over those things I just mentioned in the short term if that makes any sense?

[@michaelwhitis4118]

Do a video on Nick Chubbs surgery. Lots of stuff going on with it repair wise.

[@MTtroutfisher406]

The Arthrex achilles fix is awesome! We used these all the time in surgery.

[@cn07jsai]

I'd love to see you take a look at Antoine DuPont's fractured cheek in the Rugby World Cup. Particularly interested in the surgery he's undergone and the return to play proticols for am injury like that. Theres talk of him being back to playing in a World Cup within a month!

[@gothard5]

As a Bengals fan, I would love to hear your thoughts on the whole Burrow saga and whether he should be playing or resting. I believe he should be shut down until after the week 7 bye. Offense cannot function properly with a stiff and immobile Burrow.

[@nickwarren7854]

I'm a steelers fan i think he rushed back he should have sat out week 1 and came back when he's healthy

[@el34glo59]

I think he ABSOLUTELY should be resting. Or he's gonna be next

[@KingJinzo2125]

You don’t need to be a doctor to know that burrow should be not be playing injured when his o-line can’t protect him

[@valplacencia2011]

Dr Sutterer mentioned the type of surgery briefly, that ALLOWS Aaron to come back early! The “internal brace” or Arthrex brand Speedbridge is the ENTIRE REASON Aaron can be weight bearing this early. Us common people get a different, less robust, surgery that takes a much longer recovery time. Aaron Rogers, Cam Akers, Joe Noteboom all had this “internal brace” advanced surgery, and it was the advanced surgery enabled all these guys to “beat” the traditional recovery timeline

[@durango8882]

Thank you! I don’t know anything about it so this really helped👍🏻but.. is there a big worry that it could jeopardize his running and throwing motion? Or a hard tackle by two guys from different directions?

[@josiahkahkonen2307]

Brian’s videos are always 🤌🏻

[@n8doggy733]

yup

[@felixrcandelaria]

I've torn my achilles 3x. This is an absolutely fascinating story for me to follow. Thank you for sharing your thoughts Doc. I appreciate it. I'm interested in seeing where it takes him. Even as a Niners fan, Rodger is one of my favorite players of all time.

[@PhenomRom]

Literally how do you tear an Achilles 3 times

[@kaynebeals]

the third time you tore it did you know immediately

[@BartBasquiato]

Having shit land on it its the worst pain I've expirenced so can't imagine tearing it but when it's cold it does hurt so maybe I hurt it idk

[@MindFluxx]

That sounds horrible man how are they now?

[@LT-sz1fj]

Bruh what do you do for a living and or how are you living to tear it 3x😂genuinely intrigued

[@drewwatzke7430]

Can you consider doing a video on Cam Rising's announcement about his recovery from knee surgery? He said in addition to his ACL he also tore his meniscus, MCL and MPFL. I've never even heard of the MPFL - is that going to cause a longer recovery time?

[@robertglynnlane]

Dr. Sutterer is hitting the radar of top athletes! Let's go!

[@mikeruck2888]

My friend worked on the Alabama football medical team and he said there is a disconnect within medicine when it come to rehabbing people versus high level athletes.

[@Waywardbiscuit]

we have so many new things that help and speed up healing that many of these people commenting havnt used. For me it was bpc-157. I first heard about from other people using it to heal achilles injuries faster. I had severe tennis and golfers elbow on both arms. For a year i tried rest, exercises to strengthen the area and supporting areas, i reduced volume and weight in resistance training. But nothing fixed the issue. Then I took bpc-157 along with rehab type exercises. 6 months later after 3 months of taking bpc-157 and I am fully healed with volume and weight at the highest they have ever been for me with no pain.

[@62straydog]

I tore my Achilles about 15 years ago and was cleared to play basketball after 12 weeks. Now I was not even close to being competition ready, but I could see a professional ready in 16 weeks or so. Especially with great docs, 24 hour PT, and playing position that requires less movement.

[@pranavaggarwal3]

3 months?? Whoa

[@cccEngineer]

Did you do surgery? Was it a complete rupture? How big was the tear gap?

[@timgod87]

Can you do a video on the WR from Tennessee. His injury was crazy and people gave so many different opinions on what injury it was

[@rambunctiousbear224]

Man i was at that game. Prayers up for bru. I still had no idea what happened to him though

[@thomasthomas9077]

Great you tube. Great explanation.

[@gibson1005]

That 3 months rehab seems to be more prevalent these days for big sports related injuries, we see stories after stories confirming this. I got a Laterjet surgery on my badly dislocating shoulder. My rotator cuff was a loose sac of cartilage at this point. I got to move my shoulder right away with 3 times/week physical therapy + 2 times a day at home exercices. And I even kept my shoulder on a brace too much, I should've move it more. I was on the field in 3 month, but the mental aspect was harder than the physical to go back to comp level.

[@JamesSiegert]

I broke my big toe maybe a month ago. Full weight in a week. Still working on full mobility however. This man is a very driven man. He will be very smart about the while process.

[@Njbear7453]

I got turf toe my sophomore year of college and my toe was the size of a nice thanksgiving ham 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ThreeTs223]

Big toe is a bit different than an Achilles

[@JamesSiegert]

@@ThreeTs223 wait. Hold on. Holy shit. I would have never known. I could have sworn that they were connected

[@ThreeTs223]

@@JamesSiegert dumb post gets a dumb response. It’s a big toe brother. Think everyone has broken their toes…especially if they linemen or soccer players. Sorry your feelings are hurt.

[@JamesSiegert]

@@ThreeTs223 The feelings are fine. The toe is feeling good as well.

[@connermeseberg2595]

Well done. Appreciate the comparisons

[@imdubc920]

I had a complete tear on my right Achilles and was in a boot for the first month. But after week 2 or 3 I was walking on my boot because I got tired of it. Boot came off and my calf muscle looked like it belonged on a 80 year old man. I think Rodgers is trying to avoid losing that calf muscle mass. I think on step backs it could bother him and cause his balance to not be as great in his throws. I started playing basketball again after 6 months so I don't see how him with his money and trainers that he could be back throwing in 5. He'll definitely have to get rid of that mental doubt because that definitely lingered the first few weeks of basketball and less jumping power. Also, the Achilles definitely felt warm and tired after a game.

[@cccEngineer]

Did you do surgery or no? Was it a full rupture? How big was the tear gap?

[@imdubc920]

@@cccEngineer It was a complete tear so I had to do surgery. I had to drive home with a non-responsive foot so basically drove home with the side of my foot and hop back home. My doctor was awesome! the scar was a little over an inch, super small compared to others.

[@cccEngineer]

@@imdubc920 Oh wow so you had the minimally invasive surgery. That's awesome.

[@imdubc920]

@@cccEngineer It was awesome. If you are in that situation then hope your doc has a lot of years of experience then I think they'll do a cleaner and tight job. My doc says it's highly unlikely the fix-up will ever break. Def break my other achilles before his breaks. lol

[@ehjh263]

You get calf back yet? Any tips? I'm at 8 months post surgery, tore mine 2 days before Rodgers (soccer), but didn't get surgery till Sept 17th. I'm working on jogging and everything else, but still have a baby calf. Appreciate any tips. Thanks.

[@storminnormin4651]

He “rushes” it …….come back to the field……And re injuries it on the first play. Like the the Jets’ locker room mantra “ Now what “?

[@atkascha]

By then they'll 5 - 10 anyway. QBs Carson Beck (Georgia) or Caleb Williams (USC) will be their first pick in the draft lol. Wilson had a good game against the Chiefs, but he's already been replaced. He's massively overpriced and the Jets aren't taking his 4th year option, unless Wilson takes a drastic pay cut.

[@storminnormin4651]

Giants have a shot at Williams too.

[@damienjones3970]

I agree that’s not overly unique. I’m 38 and March 18th 2023 complete rupture during a basketball tournament on a first step similar to Kobe Bryant. I opted for non-surgical treatment and fully back to running and advanced plyometric movement today. Full extension on two foot calf raise and over 90% on left. I will say I’m not 100% explosive as I was nor is my plantar flexion back to the range it was or to the range of the right. My doctors did say it is the best they have seen with non surgical. I did a lot of medical research since that is my field of study anyway and early weight bearing was the key for me.

[@cccEngineer]

I'm in the same boat as you trying to figure out whether I should get surgery. I'm leaning towards non surgery because of the recent studies. Was your rupture a complete rupture? How big was the tear gap?

[@quilenblackwell4820]

Thanks for putting this in context Dr. Brian! My favorite part is him saying that what Rodgers is doing isn't revolutionary lol. Taking a shot at Rodgers' massive ego is hilarious LOL.

[@edwest8804]

I was hoping I could find an explanation about how he's doing this and potential complications and I knew you'd have the video about it.

[@PeanutButterAndJellyBros]

even if he does return this season, I'm gonna hold my breath every time a defender gets to his face. 39 years old man can't be taking sacks and hits like he's 25 all over again. If this season isn't a wrapped, I'd say he'll return. It will be foolish of him to return though as he will be playing another game with the devils hanging out at the back of his mind.

[@luciferrussell6874]

Depends, if he forgoes the scramble completely and learns to dead fish like Brady, Manning etc to protect himself then he might be okay, he still has a blessed arm

[@accountname9872]

​@@luciferrussell6874fr he needs to learn to just drop when they get to him. If he wants to keep going I should say lol

[@dorkistry]

@@luciferrussell6874 But is that enough to stay safe with the Jets o-line?

[@luciferrussell6874]

@@dorkistry Jets O line has been improving slowly, their schedule has also been brutal this year so far

[@ielle.]

Let's say he comes back in "only" 5 months. This makes it February, when the Super Bowl will be played. If Zach Wilson somehow gets the Jets to the Super Bowl, they're not putting in a cold Aaron coming off major injury having not really played football in more than a year (four snaps notwithstanding). The Jets being in the Super Bowl would mean that Zach turned his career around into being a great QB. If against all odds this happens, the Jets would be in the position to tell Rodgers that his services are no longer required. Given how unlikely it is that the Jets will make it to the Super Bowl this year with Zach, coming back after 5 months would be needlessly reckless when he could just aim to be ready for week 1 in September 2024.

[@atkascha]

Jets are taking a QB in the draft (Williams from USC or Beck from Georgia, most likely... if Maye from UNC sorts out his INTs, I'd look into him as well). They're not taking Wilson's 4th year option

[@freecycle53215]

Valid

[@ielle.]

@@atkascha This has nothing to do with what I said lol. What I said is that if Rodgers comes back 5 months after the injury, it will be around the time the Super Bowl is being played. The only way there is any season left for him to come back to is if the Jets are in the Super Bowl. The only realistic way this happens is if Zach balls out because the rest of the roster isn't so great that Zach can be a Dilfer, especially not in today's game. If that happens, Rodgers still isn't playing this season, because you wouldn't bench a suddenly excellent Zach who has the hot hand and looks to be the future. The most likely scenario is the Jets miss the playoffs, Zach does nothing worthy of making the Jets change their plans for 2024, and Rodgers doesn't play another down until next season.

[@mystimallow]

The Jets won't get lucky enough to get Williams. The Bears have the first two picks, and a bunch of other teams are in front of the Jets if the season ended today. With how the season is going, it'll be Chicago, Denver, and probably Arizona within the top 4, all QB needy teams unless Fields improves rapidly, and if Arizona's QB can come back and ball out. The only way for the Jets to get high enough in the draft is if they tank the rest of the season, but they are not going to, especially with the Bears seemingly in full tank mode and Wilson's not remotely where he once was. Chicago, Denver, or Arizona will most likely select one of the QB's or all of them earlier in the draft then the Jets will end up getting. There's also the possibility of the Giants, Patriots, Raiders, will have a higher draft pick, and they will be thinking about a new QB as well, if the season is taking the trajectory it's going on with all those teams. If you get WIlliams, Beck, or Maye you will be extremely lucky@@atkascha

[@SaltySouthTexan]

@@mystimallowFields is not the Bears issue, coaching is. I’ll take Fields any day…..just look at his performance tonight

[@beast_e55_amg]

I think he will be good to go post season if his team can make it there and if not he will have plenty of time to heal stronger. I hope him and tre white talk and support each other or learn something from one another about the recovery

[@cammyboyyy8173]

Logical and explanatory as always, great video

[@losergamer04]

Great vide with the nuance of this.

[@robthad151]

That first pause on Rodgers face it exactly how most people look when they hear him speak.

[@LK-bz9sk]

What did Dr Aletrache have to say about Aaron on the sidelines weight bearing.

[@12thMandalorian]

This is quite normal, for some reason the media still thinks orthopaedics and surgeons are still living in the 1950s

[@Njbear7453]

Imagine what it could be like in 10 years.

[@mid-misage3416]

Would like to see your break down of Eli Tomacs achilles injury and recovery

[@alexanderbattin4227]

Great videos DR

[@alexandernelson477]

He's also not a 300 pound lineman. I remember when the Vikings lost loadholt, not even half way through his career and had to retire. And last season again.... right tackle tore his Achilles. He was out the last couple games and the whole off season, and they were still cautious with him. Everyone is different. No one thought or bet ap would get 2k yards after he destroyed his knee... because history says its not possible..

[@johnscards4633]

I broke my ankle (talus) when I was 10yo sliding into home. Missed one game. Finished out the season and made All-Stars. Never got xrays. When I was 22yo playing in pickup Basketball game I sprained the same ankle and when I got xrays they called in an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon told me you broke your talus...a long time ago and the ER doctor thought i broke it when I sprained my ankle, but it was healed. A long time ago. 😂😂😂 got lucky

[@McLeod2022]

not the same... but had a doc, several years later, confirm that I'd had at least a partial shoulder dislocation (not full out of socket at the time, i think it was just a mad stretch of ligaments)... it was a football univ pickup game and I was RT... two guys rushed me and i straight armed both without rotating rightly and they jammed that shoulder so heard i fell like bricks dropped. last 3 minutes of a game we'd basically won. "meaningless" moment...Only time i've ever yelled in pain and shed a tear. Crumpled on the ground. It was two years before i could put a t shirt on normal again, but i thought that was just normal life. That doc looked at my form, my collarbone, my shoulder and said "did you ever have an injury to your right side?" yes sir.. yes i did. i didn't recog that that entire shoulder and some asymmetry... the collarbone is dropped sl and the shoulder "stands" differently than the left and is "noisy" when doing military lifts and such ... odd thing is my left is now my bad one so WTHell? getting old isn't for **ssies. .. for YT we will correct that as sissies.

[@douglas1306]

i returned from a torn ACL and meniscus in 3.5 months. Everything was even stronger than before. i did a 100% carnivore diet for the first month and only drank coffee and water. I also took peptides and vitamin D to promote healing. Played soccer 3.5 months after surgery and had my first hat trick 2 weeks after returning. All of this at 33 years old, Your body can do magic things when you give it what it needs.

[@robertgriffin5703]

The internal brace +the advances in knowledge is where Aaron is getting his timetable from. You can make it a 4-6 month injury now

[@Mrcraigtucker]

Thanks for sharing Doc

[@cameronloveridge2846]

Physical therapist here, he’s right he’s partial weight bearing and and not achieving full PF from mid stance to push off during gait which puts less stress on the tendon. Also most surgeons from my experience are way more conservative than they need to be so good for this med team for helping him reach his goals.

[@jillkubitschek2145]

Aaron is likely mixing eastern and western type of recovery process. (Hyperbaric chambers, infrared light, anti inflammatory diet, etc. ). Hope to see him back on the field sooner than later. I’m a lifelong packers fan, hate seeing him as a jet but love watching him play. Thank you Brian for covering!

[@EweCantHandletheTruth]

Precisely….western medicine, specifically the pharmaceutical industry, aren’t really interested in healing patients all that quickly. It’s just bad business. If traditional Chinese medicine along with a proper diet, rehab and Western medicine are administered, who’s to say the recovery won’t be quicker…

[@vanexelperalta9489]

Damn ...Dende let Aaron Rodgers train in the hyperbolic time chamber ??

[@daniell5740]

Infrared light? Lmaoooo

[@bryanholzer2782]

​@@daniell5740It's pretty standard in PT from what I've noticed. Low level laser therapy.

[@daveonezero6258]

@@daniell5740 Infrared therapy is proven to do a number of things.

[@keithroute8906]

His injury was not as bad as some. Great for him that he is this far so soon. Hopefully he can be back for season opener next year.

[@julienalexander6113]

He knows the clock is really ticking ... Wish things were different in GB

[@ChiefsFanInSC]

He's wrong if he thinks sacrificing mobility in order to shave off rehab time is a wise idea. Several teams in the AFC can really get after the quarterback (Buffalo Bills for example) and unless he has an elite o-line in front of him, it will be very difficult to stay upright.

[@el34glo59]

I think rodgers knows better than we do

[@leehurst172]

I imagine that if he comes back the offensive scheme is going to be a lightning quick passing game primarily out of shotgun. The footwork from traditional under-center dropbacks just seems like too compromising a position and too much time for plays to develop.

[@freecycle53215]

Agreed

[@Njbear7453]

That’s what it was before he got hurt lmao!

[@Deathtofrogleghorn]

You have also factor in that he is an athlete too. He goes to doctors that specialize in sports medicine as well and they’re not going to do the surgery and rehab procedures the same way they do it to the average person. People don’t take that into account either. Then they got really good insurance and folks that will recommend them to the best doctors for that specific need.

[@00700556]

I’m an engineer and I see crazy comments all the time on the internet of people giving their opinions like they’re engineers and 99.999999% are just flat out wrong. It’s not just for this particular subject but for all of them.

[@paul75ranger]

Rogers gave the docs tweet a dig, lol Nice response to it and being cool about it.

[@Smoke_from_a_Mirror]

I used to work in a research clinic that did, among other things, Meta-Analyses. We used to Iook for well constructed studies for all kinds of things (double blind, RCT, statistical analysis and rigor, etc). I specifically recall that there was strong evidence from well constructed studies that indicated that putting an achilles, even in cases of full rupture, under pretty much immediate use resulted in better outcomes. Of course immediate use has to be very carefully controlled, we're not talking running and jumping, just doing stuff like what Rodgers is here.

[@Z06GT1]

Thank you. I always appreciate your comments.

[@vanz00]

When is Dr. sutterer going to become an NFL team doctor?

[@daleburnfart6845]

I broke my ankle. It was a fall from a high place working. I was about 34. It did involve a screw. Anyway, surgeon after told me not to put weight on it for 6 months and for 6 month I took oxycodone. This was before the big fear of addiction or what not and I dont know how anyone gets addicted to the stuff, I hated it. I only took the drugs when I showered or had to put weight on it. I lived alone and had no one to help. About 4 months in I had no rehab plan or anything so I just went for walks. Gained a little more distance each time. Then went for light jogs. Then I turned up the heat and went with short sprints then backed off and rinse and repeat. Healed up just fine. Dr. Told me stay off it 6 months or Id never walk right again. lol

[@user-wg7hr2je8t]

Can you do a video on Chris Basham’s injury from the EPL

[@jamesfischetti2559]

I had a total knee replacement in October of this year and I was only in physical therapy within a month

[@McBoomPow]

I was wondering if there's any comparison between this recovery schedule versus Dan Marino's achilles rupture? Dan lost a ton of mobility and muscle in his leg, do you think this will affect Rodgers as well? I mean, this is a fairly serious injury, I know you brought up that he is a QB, but he has had moments where pocket movement was an asset, especially during hail mary plays. Thoughts doc?

[@michaelbirke6050]

So, will the offensive line be any better if and when he comes back?

[@ChrisCapoccia]

It's also impossible to know from the interview what his doctors are telling him and what they think about how well he's following directions

[@charlescdt6509]

Wouldn't it be a good idea to interview the doctor? Rod Woodson tore his ACL and made it back for the SuperBowl in 96. Jerry RIce tore his ACL and MCL in 97 and was back in week 15. Yes its a knee and not the Achilles but some folks are just built different.

[@justinfrazier9555]

I think the greatest Achilles recovery was that man Adrian Peterson. I think it might have been 2008 or something but I remember he tore up his knee and he was back on the field in less than 9 months and proceeded to put up the second (arguably first) greatest rushing season in NFL history as a running back. He was like 9 yards short of breaking Dickerson's single season rushing yard record. He was the NFL MVP that year and he got the Vikings into the playoffs with that massive run that got them a field goal and into the playoffs against the Packers.

[@lacosa24x]

I remember that damn I’m 30 now

[@cccEngineer]

Bro could you not. Fuck. Lol

[@ePlayablez]

Looks like doc has his first online beef! Who would’ve known it’d be with Aaron Rodgers? 😂🍿

[@michaeljames2084]

Thanks doc!

[@JumpO89]

Tore my Achilles when I was 24 and played football again exactly 6 months after. He would be a month faster, but my injury was 2013, would guess there has been some advancements

[@JustinSteereMusic]

He's fortunate enough to where he can afford to push boundaries with his recovery time due to the brilliant doctor's that he has. He's not just doing this on his own. It's a team effort. He's willing to push what ever boundaries that his doctors think he's able to push.

[@cccEngineer]

He's testing the re rupture possibilities though.

[@rrw5834]

In other words him playing in 5 months is a gamble and he’s doing it cause of the point that he’s in in his career…it’s a real gamble !

[@ZachHenke]

He more or less intimated on PMS yesterday that the goal of returning this year was more or less to give him something to focus on with rehab.

[@patrickhoffman1516]

I think rogers is pushing this for a reason. He is at the end of his career, one or two more years likely. He is valueing his time on the feild, he may not care if he reinjures because he will have time after retirment to rehab. I think he would take 5-6 mo rehab with that rink if it means he gets to play.

[@meechie5049]

I tore my right Achilles in November of last year and I tried to come back and casually play some basketball in 5 months. I ended up rupturing my left one 😂

[@cccEngineer]

Can you go into more detail of the differences between non op and operative success?

[@Peony_herbabies914]

Wow, good news! There is still hope around the corner and never give up!

[@accountname9872]

Im a DIEHARD vikings fan BUT ive always loved rodgers (funny enough same with favre) i hate to see him get hurt, especially again. Im a BIG believer in if you get a big injury like this there is only few reasons to rush back. Future long term life will forever be more important than getting back. Arod please be careful, comeback next season and ball out (hopefully jets do ass so they get a decent 1st round pick)

[@powermoveschris9891]

To me stress it means to do what you said of early movements. Not necessarily go all out

[@NoMoTheUFO]

Greatness is what greatness does. It's only crazy to those who don't strive to be great. Let's be GREAT and believe blessing are coming our way.

[@joelee6305]

What’s he did during his collarbone injury. He’s doing the same here I know it’s 2 different injuries. He’s a tough dude! Would love to see him back before the season ends. Only time will tell.

[@ACE_1923]

Aaron rodgers knows he is on borrowed time and I get that he wants to play and win but the jets year is already basically over I would call it a rebuild/learning experience year and go again next year there is no point in pushing the bar on his rehab just to potentially only play in a wildcard game

[@jcheck1107]

Even though he’s one of the greats he wouldn’t have the final say in coming back early, it’s the doctors who have to give the thumbs up to the team

[@jaredrubino1889]

1-3 does not mean the season is over. ESP w how Zach played last week. They lost to Dallas KC and New England; they’ll be fine. Gonna finish w double digit wins trust.

[@ACE_1923]

@@jaredrubino1889 your right it doesn’t mean the seasons over but at the same time it’s not a good start in the slightest I say the jets go 8-9 10-7 at best Zach’s show good actually great progress but he isn’t ready to takeover for now and any playoff success died when rodgers went down

[@yu-gi-nintendo2660]

​@@jaredrubino1889New England isn't a great team to lose to

[@greatgondor]

One point that alot of people miss is the difference between elite athletes and normal people in how quickly elite athletes will get surgery. The time between injury, consultation and treatment in an elite athlete will likely be within days compared to depending on country/money normal people may have to wait months for the correct treatment and likely will be offered alterantive treaments depending on severity. The main reason people forget is how much muscle mass is important in structual support of the body, within 2 weeks significant atrophy will occur. For example in the UK it may take 6 months for an ACL surgery to happen via the National health service compared to an athlete will likely be under the knife within a week. this difference allows the muscle to stay strong around the injury and offer more support for potential faster recovery times. My own experience as a sport scientist and experience with both elite athletes and normal individuals recoveries. so much comes down to the speed of effective treatment, the need for a full recovery or partial recovery (do you need perfect movement in their normal life). Along with how indepth the post op recovery is. If the injury isn't severe enough to 100% need surgery normal people will likely be told to do these instead and if they recover to 80% of previous function thats a big success compared to a complete failure in an elite athlete. As Brian points out this is just a limited snapshot but as much as aaron pushes the boat out on treatments etc this is an ever changing field. Varying from year to year and country to country in best practice as the boundries and needs of players, teams, insurance claims etc. The 6 weeks protocal works for alot of normal people due to the above but also the cost/time spent with the doctors/consultants/physios etc. Aaron is likely verbally reporting to his doctors twice a day and being visually seen by a physician at least once a day to confirm. Not that aaron is purposely lying, its athletes are used to pushing boundries and normally need to be held back from overtaining etc. Compared to a normal person is likely seeing their doctors once a week or even every 2 weeks, meaning aarons treatment can be modified on a almost hourly level if anything changes. Creating a much more personal treatment along with

[@n8doggy733]

great vid

[@untouchedsports8296]

There is also a clip where he was walking with no crutches. He walks around the locker room for a few mins with crutches in his hands but not using them. Would have been a better clip.

[@AlexSoubannarath]

He's probably utilizing ozone therapy in conjunction with the rest of his rehab. It was the only thing that healed my back after surgery and months of excruciating pain. Same thing happened when my friend utilized ozone therapy after months of back pain and skepticism

[@davidthompson1583]

I"m a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon who performs this surgery and have had a repair in my early 40s. I was walking with a boot right away and without a boot at home in 2 weeks and no boot at all in 4 weeks. I followed an expediated rehab schedule and I did fine. Of course I'm not an elite athlete but it healed fine and in the end I think he will be just fine. Less calf atrophy, quicker return to full ROM. He also underwent a more modern repair with a "belt and suspenders" type of repair. Don't fool yourself, he is bearing full weight. The difference is the lack of push off. At this point the repair should be strong enough to handle full WB but not full calf pushoff. This doctor did his fellowship where i did my residency (Mayo Clinic), but he is not a surgeon. Rodgers will be fine. Doubt be back this year, wouldnt be the smartest thing for his career, but who knows. What I do know is that healing is a factor primary of age and health. He wont heal any faster then anyone else of his age and health. The length of the achilles is the primary reason that we advocate repair. There is a small increase in rerupture rate and weakness in nonsurgical repair. He is referring to the Blix curve which was established in the 1800's which correlated the length of the muscle tendon complex to strength of the muscle. He will need this strength to push off and set his base for long throws. Again, I think he will do just fine. Remember there was this guy named Brady who wasn't known for his mobility, but still managed a pretty good career.

[@staylowkeynyc2762]

Can you Do a video for Khalil Herbert he was injured last night trying to make a catch

[@marcobernarda9493]

I did the same surgery and on 2 and half months I was walking without crutches

[@coryernewein]

I'm no doctor, but I think that tendons and ligaments have better blood flow and therefore better healing abilities when not completely immobilized🤷

[@rayweingartner7361]

I broke and tore everything in my hand but was out of a cast in 2 days in physical therapy and a car fell on my hand... and I ended up getting like 75%... I would say in my case it was a pretty good move

[@sedaw3261]

I really hope Rodgers doesn't come back this season, because there is no upside. Even if he "heals" his Achilles in 5 months, he will only be able to come back for the Super Bowl, and we all know that Jets aren't coming out of the AFC with Zach Wilson as their QB. Besides, if he tears it again, it'll probably be the end of his career. He should rehab it the whole year and come back 100% next season, there is literally no point in trying to come back this season

[@0thers1d3]

At the end of the day, he's going to do what he wants and he's going to tell people what he thinks is happening with his rehab vs what's actually happening/ going to happen. The universe doesn't revolve around him likes he thinks it does.

[@Playitstraight44]

My thinking is more about true risk to reward coming back early. If he actually believes he can make it back this season, what can he realistically offer the team if the current QB performance becomes reliable and the team is moving up and down the field at the speed of this young athlete? And there's also the break in time that Rodgers will need to shake off the rust and be efficient at game speed and not just walk throughs or practice routines. To me, no matter his gifts, its a step back to ask the team to take that pause if they've worked out the issues with their current quarterback. At the very best, I think Rodgers can only come in as a number two quarterback should Zack Wilson go down. I see no upside to taking Zack out otherwise.