After what seems like an age – but is in reality only a few weeks – CLS Kawasaki rider Tommy Searle is hoping to be back training on his KX450F “within two weeks”.
The 24 year old, who fractured his wrist under difficult circumstances at the Thailand round of the MXGP World Championship, had the injury operated on at a local hospital under the guidance of his European orthopaedic surgeon and pronounced himself happy with the care he received and skill of the Thai primary care team.
“It was quite a high pressure situation and I needed a plate plus pins inserted which had to be 100% to my spec to aid recovery and avoid any future complications”, said Tommy. “Basically we set up a link between the Thai hospital and my consultant the other side of the world and the two experts swapped notes and tips with each other. With that done as soon as possible after the crash it was already knitting together on the plane journey home ready for more healing procedures UK side”.
Falling from his race bike as a result of engine issues due to locally supplied fuel that did not meet the set up of his machine, Searle was philosophical about the crash and admitted that all of his energy was concentrated on recovery rather than recrimination.
“The bad fuel thing is for the teams to speak to the organisers about and I did not want to be too concerned with that. I just want to get race fit again and to look to the future”, added Searle.
Undertaking a strict regime of carefully structured training – and adopting an even more focused diet during the recuperation process – Searle praised the Thai surgeon and the work of his medical team in the UK.
“I have a surgeon at the hospital in Derby who looks after my needs. He recommends the best professionals for me to work with if I get bone injuries. For this episode I’ve had a special diet plan created and I’ve been attending a magnetic resistance clinic to speed up the healing process and give me as much strength in the shortest time possible.
I am not going to push things too hard though as I have to think about the medium and long term and not just tomorrow and the next day but, so far, things are looking real good. People don’t realise what details we have to go into, concentrating on things like blood balance and circulation to make sure that every health angle is considered and explored.”
Working out in the gym and building his bike channelled fitness up once more, Searle has a full agenda over the coming weeks and is putting his unexpected down time to good use.
“I am doing some filming with young Team Green riders in the middle of April which is a great chance to get back to my MX roots.
Add to that overseeing work on my new house and you could say that even with a broken wrist I’ve got my hands full”.