Aimar Olaizola begins the long road to recovery after successful surgery

Olaizola underwent surgery on his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament at a clinic in Vitoria-Gasteiz on Tuesday. He expected to be out until at least the end of the year.

The procedure, which was carried out by Dr Mikel Sanchez, took an hour and passed without any complications or setbacks. He was discharged today and returned to Goizueta. Although everything went as planned, the recovery process will be long and painstaking. Rehabilitation can begin 72 hours after surgery, and this first phase will last for around six months. Asegarce report that on Monday he will begin five hour rehabilitation sessions which will take place on three days each week. The process will consist of electro-stimulation, massage, and work in the swimming pool and gym. After three or four weeks, the brace can be removed, allowing a return to some every day activities. After this period, Olaizola can train on the fronton for a two month spell of physical strengthening, before returning to competition when total confidence has been regained. Asegarce are hopeful of his return in time for the 2011 Pairs Championship, but there can be no hard and fast deadline for his reappearance. We wish Aimar all the best.

Source: Diario de Navarra, Asegarce

Mikel Ezkerro