Recovering From Broken Ribs and Partially Collapsed Lung

[Lost Dog]

My friend was thrown from a horse about 6 weeks ago. He suffered four fully broken ribs and a partially collapsed lung.

His doctor is about to release him to return to work, but he's not sure what's the best way for him to get back into lifting.

He's lifted for many years and is itching to return.

[Ian Kay]

Holy crap! Glad he's alright!

I'm no doc (Bill knows best) but d*mn, just 6 weeks later... I'd wait a little while! I had a SMALL fracture in a rib in college, and it took a full week for the pain to subside. I can't imagine that a full rib smash and collapsed lung would be ready to start lifting ANYTHING yet!

[Hawkson]

seems like he should concentrate on abs and core bodywork first.

I am not an expert by any means but I would suggest no weights at first just so he doesn't hurt himself. Tell him to get into shape by using his own body weight so when he does start lifting he knows he won't injure himself.

[Lost Dog]

That's good advice. I'm expecting his doc to tell him to slow down. Right now, his big concern is that he's lost a lot of muscle.