'The Road Back' can be a long and arduous one

'The Road Back' can be a long and arduous one – and Hazell is finding the fight for fitness a tough nut to crack!

It has been a tough season for Reuben Hazell so far as he has spent most of it on the treatment table. The tough-tackling centre half joined Kidderminster Harriers on a two-year deal from Torquay in the summer, but only managed two days training before succumbing to a knee injury. With Harriers marooned at the bottom of the table they could do with all hands on deck to in their relegation battle and Hazell is working overtime in a bid to regain his fitness. However, there is no quick fix and he has joined up with the revered fitness team at Lilleshall in a bid to boost his recovery. And, as Ian Clarkson discovered in another Rehab Room exclusive, there is just no substitute for hard work.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO LILLESHALL HALL?

I have been here before and I know that the staff are really good and very knowledgeable.  I haven't received treatment as good as this since I was a young player at Aston Villa.  It really is top class professional treatment and Phil, Steve and Pauline give you loads of confidence with their knowledge.

YOU SOUND LIKE A CONVERT TO THE CAUSE?

It is a place where you can come and work without distractions amongst like-minded people and that is a real bonus. Also, when you are at your club, they, quite rightly, concentrate on getting the players fit for Saturday and the long-term injuries can't take priority.

WHEN DID YOU HAVE YOUR OPERATION?

It was done about four weeks ago so it is still a little bit swollen. It was an operation to give bilateral relief on both my knees. They needed to move my knee cap so it was tracking in the right position.

IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS STILL VERY SORE THOUGH?

The kneecap has been banging against the bone for a long while so there is still severe bruising. It isn't suddenly going to cure it and there is a lot of swelling so we are looking at around six to eight weeks for the bruising to totally clear.  Without being too technical the surgeons cut into capsules around the kneecap, so it stands to reason that it will be tender for a while.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING AT LILLESHALL?

I have been stepping up my workload every week as it is improving gradually.  I have got a set individual programme that involves static quad exercises, pro-perception, calf raises and working on my balance. I also do a lot of cardio-vascular work on the machines that can be hard although I have taken a shine to the compex machine. I am going to invest in one myself as I can feel the benefits. It helps build up your muscle strength on your quads and legs with electronic currents.

WHAT OTHER WORK HAVE YOU BEEN DOING?

Some of the lads have gone on bike rides and today a few of us went swimming. However, it was particularly tough as all of us had knee injuries and we weren't allowed to use our legs.  I don't know whether you have tried swimming without using your legs but it isn't easy!  However, we have had time for some fun at the end of the day too and I can safely say that I am top man on the volleyball court now.  I'm up there with the staff with my performances.

YOU SOUND LIKE A HAPPY CUSTOMER ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY?

I would recommend Lilleshall to any player - especially those who aren't at a Premiership club. It is hard work from 9-5 every day, but the facilities are great and the knowledge of the staff even better.  Even when I was at Torquay I used to travel to the Midlands for treatment because I knew how good they were.