Oh don't get me wrong, I'm doing Taekwondo and working out hard, including lifting weights, pullups and pushups, etc. I even started a tricking class, but while everything is doable, it's still not 100% right if you catch my drift. For example I'm fine sparring in class or doing cartwheels but competing in sparring and springing off my hands, I could do it, sure, but I wouldn't be at my best right now and when you're talking competition in a sport where you're using your arms, shoulders and chest to swing the stick, it pays to prepare and be realistic. It all depends on the seriousness of the competition too. Minor comps, meh! You'll probably be fine. But anything major and it's a little more important to be at your best. A good example in my case is reverse turning kicks. You have to twist your body right around first then follow through with your leg and I'm still a tiny bit tight there and feel pulling, like yourself Jay, and it's making the kick look a little sloppy. So because of that, a non arm based movement, I wouldnt compete in patterns, especially team patterns, as that would bring the score down for either myself or the team. So I speak in terms of that. If it's serious and you want to be at your best for the team, it'll take longer. If it's not so important and more a sport for fun where winning and losing is less important than the fun aspect, you could probably be back playing in 6-8 weeks.
And yeah, the type of procedure makes a difference. If you're small enough for peri, you'll be back to it in less time.
It's worth noting, since I do Taekwondo, that hits to the chest still smart a little more than normal, so if you play rough, be prepared for that. It's nothing crazy but sometimes a hit to the chest feels like how a high belly flop into a pool feels on your chest. I don't take actual hits through, I'm feeling this more from kicks to giant pads I'm holding.
