Medi GMBH & C. Kg
Bayreuth (ots)
Top sport demands everything from the body – and sometimes patience and a lot of discipline in the rehabilitation process. In January 2025 Judoka and OSP athlete Johann Lenz from TSV Munich-Großhadern suffered an inner meniscus rupture of the right knee during training. In conversation with the medical device manufacturer Medi, he tells how the knee orthosis M.4 X-Lock supported him after his operation and how he found his way back to competitive sports with holistic therapy.
Dear Johann, how did you get the not everyday sport judo?
“My father was a successful judoka and fought in the 2nd Bundesliga in heavyweight. When I was six years old, he took my sister and me to a judo club. At that time the focus was on fun – simply being on the mat with other children. The coaches quickly recognized my talent. At the age of ten, I then moved to the federal base to Munich, where I founded the ideal framework for sports and school.”
What is the fascination with Judo for you?
“Judo is incredibly versatile. You have to be an all -rounder – only strength or speed is not enough. In addition to strength, coordination, concentration, concentration, endurance and technology are required. All of this requires a deep understanding of your own body and the other person. It is exciting that a fight can be decided at any time by a single action – similar to a knock -out in boxing. This requires the highest concentration, calm and reaction. In principle, I can do defeats.
What success are you particularly proud of?
“My first German championship title among the men in 2022 was a key moment that I will remember for a long time. Before that, I had bronze three times and silver in the U23. I am really proud of the gold medal. Another highlight in Tallinn last year: My first international tournament victory in the seniors. However Spiele in Los Angeles 2028. To speculate about medals would be measured – too many factors play a role, from loving to a single careless moment. ”
Due to the injury, you have had to pause more often in recent years – most recently because of an inner meniscus rupture in the right knee.
“In January, unfortunately, I tore the inner meniscus in my right knee for the second time – with a completely harmless training campaign. I just wanted to avoid, the knee blocked and only after a minute loosened it with a noticeable popping. At the beginning I was able to move it, but it felt unstable. The pain was also greater in the course of the evening. Medical studies do it.
How were you cared for after the operation?
“I no longer trained a judo between injury and operation, but worked on strength and mobility. This short phase of the prehistory abilitation helped me a lot to go to the operation and the subsequent rehab. Immediately after the operation I got the hard frame orthosis M.4 X-Lock from medi and crutches, on which I was dependent on two months.”
When did you start mobilization?
“In the first two weeks, the pure wound healing phase until the threads were pulled, I paused. Then I started with light physiotherapeutic exercises. About four weeks after the operation, I set up strength again and the knee increasingly stressed. Mentally.
Where did you mainly train?
“At the Bavaria Olympic base. Since this year there has been an extended rehab concept that is individually tailored to us athlete: inside and our needs. The care is the best that I have ever had – intensive physiotherapy several times a week, nutritional advice with regular analysis of body composition, anti -inflammatory diet with targeted supplements and daily training with an athletics trainer added The independent implementation of the exercises.
How important was the mental component?
“Extremely important. At the beginning, the view of months of failure is hard. When it comes to re -entry, confidence in the knee was a mental challenge. Here our sports psychologist also helped me to get to the point where I had full trust in my knee again and no longer needed the orthosis.”
How long did you wear the M.4 X-Lock?
“About ten weeks, then only occasionally to stabilize strength training.”
You already had a similar injury about ten years ago. What was different this time?
“Back then I had not yet arrived in competitive sports, today I belong to the national squad – with all the successes, but also the expectations. It is about the starting places for the qualification tournaments for the Olympic Games. Every month counts. I also no longer live with my parents, but in Munich. In the past, my family took care of it intensively, today I am on friend: Inside and my sporting environment. Experience how such a situation feels – they supported me great and, for example, drove me to my appointments. ”
What do you advise athletes: inside with similar injuries?
“Set military destinations! Every little progress motivates – be it the first pain -free walk or return to the bike. At the same time, you shouldn’t be put under pressure on schedules. The body heals individually. Patience is crucial.”
What are you looking forward to doing so next?
“Soon it will go to the training camp in Valencia (Spain) for a week. I would like to train more intensively on the mat again. My big goal remains Olympics 2028 – I will work hard for that. I know that I can assert myself internationally.”
Thank you for the conversation – all the best and good luck!
Surf tips:
www.medi.de/produkte/orthesen/knieorthesen/
www.medi.de/diagnose-therapie/knieschmerzen/
www.medi.de/unternehmen/kooperationen/
www.medi.de/arzt/therapietipps/orthopaedische-therapie/kreuzbandruptur-vordere
Purpose M.4 X-Lock®: Frame orthosis to lead and stabilize the knee joint with extension / flexion limitation
Press contact:
Medi GMBH & C. Kg
Medicusstraße 1
95448 Bayreuth
www.medi.de
Janine Lenhart
Communication & PR Managerin
Telephone: +49 921 912-2819
E-mail: j.lenhart@medi.de
Original content from: Medi GmbH & Co. KG, transmitted by News Aktuell
