Judoka Johann Lenz provides insights into therapy and rehabilitation following a medial meniscus tear
Top-level sport demands everything from the body – sometimes even patience and a great deal of discipline during the rehabilitation process. After tearing his medial meniscus during training, judoka and OSP athlete Johann Lenz from TSV München-Großhadern is now working hard around seven months later to make his comeback, with his goal set on the 2028 Olympics. In an interview with medi, he talks about how the M.4 X-lock knee brace supported him after his operation and how he found his way back to competitive sport with holistic therapy.
Dear Johann, how did you get into the rather unusual sport of judo?
'My father was a successful judoka himself and competed in the heavyweight division of the second Bundesliga. When I was six years old, he took my sister and me to a judo club. Back then, it was all about having fun – just being on the mat with other children. However, the coaches quickly recognised my talent. At the age of ten, I moved to the national training centre in Munich, where I found the ideal conditions for sport and school.'
The fascination of judo: a deep understanding of your own body and that of your opponent
What is it about judo that fascinates you?
Judo is incredibly versatile. You have to be an all-rounder – strength or speed alone are not enough. In addition to strength, agility, coordination, concentration, endurance and, above all, technique are required. All of this requires a deep understanding of your own body and that of your opponent. What's exciting is that a fight can be decided at any time by a single action – similar to a knockout in boxing. This requires the utmost concentration, calmness and responsiveness. I find it particularly fascinating that, in principle, anyone can beat anyone. Defeats are part of the game – they teach you to get back up and keep going."
Which achievement are you particularly proud of?
'My first German championship title in the men's competition in 2022 was a key moment that I will remember for a long time. Before that, I had won bronze three times and silver once in the U23 competition. I am really proud of the gold medal. Another highlight was the European Open in Tallinn last year: my first international tournament victory in the senior competition. However, everything is subordinate to the big goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It would be presumptuous to speculate about medals – too many factors play a role, from luck in the draw to a single moment of carelessness.'
Due to injury, you've had to take frequent breaks in recent years – most recently because of a torn medial meniscus in your right knee.
'In January, I unfortunately tore the medial meniscus in my right knee for the second time – during a completely harmless training exercise. I just wanted to dodge, but my knee locked up and only loosened after a minute with a noticeable popping sound. At first, I was able to move it, but it felt unstable. The pain also increased over the course of the evening. The next day, I went to the Klinikum rechts der Isar hospital, where I am also completing my medical internship. There, Dr Julian Mehl, himself a former judoka, made the diagnosis and operated on me a week later. This injury was the most significant one I've had so far because important squad places and qualification tournaments were at stake.'
Treatment after meniscus surgery with M.4 X-lock knee brace
Wie wurdest du nach der Operation versorgt?
'Between the injury and the operation, I didn't train in judo anymore, but worked specifically on strength and mobility. This short phase of prehabilitation helped me a lot to go into the operation and the subsequent rehabilitation feeling stronger. Immediately after the operation, I was given the M.4 X-lock hard frame orthosis from medi and crutches in the hospital, which I had to use for two months.'
When did you start mobilising?
'I took a break for the first two weeks, which was purely the wound healing phase until the stitches were removed. After that, I started with light physiotherapy exercises. About four weeks after the operation, I started building up strength again and gradually putting more weight on my knee. The M.4 X-lock orthosis gave me security during this phase, while at the same time allowing me to gradually regain mobility. This not only facilitated healing, but also strengthened me mentally. After about four months, I returned to judo-specific training, and recently I have been back in full-contact training.'
Where did you mainly train?
'At the Bavarian Olympic Training Centre. Since this year, they've had an expanded rehab programme that's tailored to us athletes and our needs. The care is the best I've ever had – intensive physiotherapy several times a week, nutritional counselling with regular body composition analyses, anti-inflammatory nutrition with targeted supplements, and daily training with an athletic trainer, supplemented by independent exercise. Everything was done in close consultation with the treating doctors. This comprehensive care has helped me enormously.'
How important was the mental component?
'Extremely important. At the beginning, the prospect of months of downtime is tough. When I returned to training, trusting my knee was a mental challenge. Our sports psychologist also helped me get to the point where I had full confidence in my knee again and no longer needed the brace.'
How long did you wear the M.4 X-lock?
'About ten weeks, then only occasionally for stabilisation during strength training.'
You had a similar injury about ten years ago. What was different this time?
'Back then, I hadn't yet made it into competitive sport, but today I'm part of the national squad – with all the successes that brings, but also the expectations. It's all about securing a place in the qualifying tournaments for the Olympic Games. Every month counts. What's more, I no longer live with my parents, but in Munich. My family used to take care of me intensively, but now I rely on friends and my sporting environment. Fortunately, many of my training partners know from their own experience how such a situation feels – they have given me great support and, for example, driven me to my appointments.'
What advice would you give to athletes with similar injuries?
‘Set milestones! Every little bit of progress is motivating – whether it's your first pain-free walk or getting back on your bike. At the same time, you shouldn't let yourself be pressured by schedules. Everyone's body heals differently. Patience is key.’
What are you looking forward to next in terms of sport?
‘I'm going to a training camp in Valencia (Spain) for a week soon. I want to train more intensively on the mat there. My big goal remains the 2028 Olympics – I'm going to work hard for that. I know I can hold my own internationally.’
Thank you very much for talking to us – all the best and good luck!
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Cooperations
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Note:
Intended use:
M.4 X-lock®: Frame orthosis for guiding and stabilising the knee joint with extension/flexion limitation
