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Knee Replacement Performance Six Years Later
We all want to (wink wink) BE LIKE MIKE. An interview with Mike Kranis six years after knee replacement surgery.
Be Like Mike Kranis
We share today a chat with Mike Kranis about his inspiring journey from knee replacement surgery to becoming an avid hiker. Mike shares his experiences with knee troubles from basketball, the challenges of recovery, and how the X10 Knee Recovery System™ helped him achieve a remarkable 130-degree knee flexion. His story emphasizes that knee replacement can open new avenues for an active lifestyle. We discuss the importance of resilience, effective rehabilitation, and the adventures that await post-surgery.
Mike Kranis
Hi, this is PJ Ewing. I interviewed Mike Kranis for the Bee’s Knees Podcast in the summer of 2024. Mike had a total knee replacement in 2018, and lives an incredibly active life today.
Mike Kranis is a remarkable individual whose journey from knee replacement surgery to peak physical performance exemplifies the potential for recovery after such a transformative procedure. I aim to shed light on real-life experiences that inspire listeners who may be facing similar challenges. This episode strays from the ordinary discussions of knee surgery, focusing instead on remarkable success stories that defy expectations and redefine recovery.
Mike, a retired postal worker turned avid hiker, shares his compelling narrative that began decades ago with a series of knee troubles resulting from a love of basketball. Despite undergoing multiple knee surgeries throughout his life, including a crucial knee replacement in January 2018, Mike’s journey took a pivotal turn when he decided to embrace hiking fully. Transitioning from basketball to a hiking enthusiast, he recounts how his passion for the outdoors led him to become a hike leader within his local county park system and expand his adventures to trails around the Appalachian Mountains.
Throughout our conversation, Mike recounts various challenges faced during his recovery process. He candidly describes the initial struggle of limited mobility and the emotional toll it took on him, particularly when he was unable to achieve proper flexion in his knee. After undergoing a manipulation under anesthesia, he came across the X10 Knee Recovery System™. This innovative tool played an instrumental role in his recovery, allowing him to regain strength and mobility that many after knee replacement surgery find elusive. Thanks to this adaptation as well as his relentless spirit, Mike has achieved a flexion of 130 degrees, an impressive milestone that showcases the effectiveness of focused rehabilitation.
We delve deep into Mike’s ongoing adventures since his surgery, which are nothing short of extraordinary. He recounts tales of breathtaking hikes in the Catskills, ascending towering mountains like Hunter, and even traversing 27 miles during the Great Saunter in New York City. His Instagram-worthy adventures don’t stop there—he shares experiences from international hikes, including climbing the Duomo in Florence, traversing the Galapagos, and his upcoming fourth trip to Iceland. His story illustrates not only the physical achievements he has made but also the emotional highs that come from immersing oneself in nature and exploring new landscapes.
Moreover, we address the broader implications of his story. Mike’s journey is a testament to the belief that knee replacement does not mark the end of an active life but rather opens the door to new possibilities. His determination to remain active, combined with the support of effective rehabilitation technologies and a dedicated exercise regimen, positions him as a beacon of hope for others navigating their recovery. The very act of hiking has become Mike’s way of life, emphasizing the importance of strength maintenance as one ages—a critical component in ensuring lifelong health.
Join us for this inspiring episode that emphasizes resilience, the power of modern rehabilitation, and the endless adventures life has to offer even after major surgical interventions. Mike Kranis’s journey is proof that with determination, the right tools, and a supportive community, one can indeed reclaim an active and fulfilling life post-surgery.
Knee Replacement Performance Six Years Later
