Major Surgery and a Dream to Ski: Clay’s Story Will Inspire You
Clay Valstad, 64, underwent surgery in October of 2011 to have a partial knee replacement procedure performed; leaving a scar over six inches long, severe swelling and a weakened leg, which attests to the severity of the operation. Remarkably, he and his doctor are certain, that in February of 2012, Clay will be able to join his wife and friends on their annual ski trip—this year’s destination is Lake Tahoe, California—where Clay plans to head straight for the black diamond mogul runs, not the bunny hills. But, to accomplish this, Clay has to stick to a rigid plan of rehab and strength conditioning. The injury has caused many of his muscles to weaken and become underdeveloped, meanwhile other muscles have become overworked due to compensating for the injured and now recovering knee.