Snap, Crackle, Pop: Navigating Knee & Neck Injuries in Judo | Shintaro Higashi Show Recap

Injuries are an inevitable part of any athlete’s journey, but for grapplers, knees and necks take a special beating. On this week’s episode of The Shintaro Higashi Show, Shintaro and co-host David Kim pull back the curtain on their own injury odysseys—complete with misdiagnoses, multiple doctors, and the long road to recovery. Whether you’re a judo or jiu-jitsu practitioner, or just someone navigating the healthcare system, you’ll find relatable stories, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.

Watch the full video here ↓

The Injury Odyssey: When Doctors Don’t Agree

Shintaro opens up about his recent knee troubles—a saga that started with stabbing pain and ended with surgery, but not before a tour through the confusing world of medical opinions.

“I went and saw four different doctors for four different opinions… and I got very, very different opinions.”

After months of pain and a series of referrals, Shintaro’s MRI suggested a meniscus root tear and severe osteoarthritis. But after seeing a specialist who “looked at the images himself,” the diagnosis changed entirely. The real culprit? Bone spurs and a misaligned patella.

“He wakes me up after the whole thing is done, he’s like, ‘Listen man, no root tear. Your meniscus is completely fine. But I did cut the whole side of your reticulum to release the kneecap to the middle, and I found some of those bone spurs that was causing you all the pain.’”

Doing Your Own Research: The Good, The Bad, and The Necessary

Both Shintaro and David stress the importance—and the limits—of doing your own research. While the phrase “do your own research” has become a meme, it’s crucial for athletes to be informed and proactive.

“You definitely have to do a little bit of your own research. I hate that term… but you kind of have to.”

David shares his own journey with neck pain, multiple doctor visits, and ultimately opting for a disc replacement over the more common (but more limiting) fusion surgery. The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to seek second (or third) opinions, especially from doctors who understand the demands of athletic life.

Recovery Real Talk: From Pull-Ups to Pizza Burgers

The episode isn’t just about diagnoses and surgeries—it’s also about the grind of recovery. Shintaro details his rehab process, from pull-ups on crutches to gradually regaining knee flexion. Both hosts agree: the mental battle is just as tough as the physical one.

“Even when I first got out, like day one, day two, I was already trying to do pull-ups… and then gradually, you know, the nerve block stuff comes out and then you start doing ankle pumps and leg raises.”

Of course, recovery isn’t all discipline—there’s room for a little indulgence, too.

“I had a pizza burger at the pool and an ice cream soft serve and I came home and I had a half a pint that was left over… terrible, I know, I’m really disappointed in myself today.”

Advice for Injured Grapplers: You’re Not Alone

One of the most powerful messages from this episode is that injury can feel isolating—but it shouldn’t be. Both Shintaro and David encourage listeners to connect with others who’ve been through similar surgeries, not for medical advice, but for perspective and support.

“Seek out people who’ve had the surgery… it may not even be really for advice, but it can tell you what you’re in for in terms of recovery.”

They also emphasize the value of finding doctors who understand athletes, and the importance of asking about a surgeon’s experience—not just their credentials.

Final Thoughts: Trust, But Verify

Navigating injuries and the healthcare system can be overwhelming, especially for athletes who want to get back on the mat. The big lesson? Trust your doctor, but don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek other opinions, and do your homework. And remember, recovery is a journey—one you don’t have to walk alone.

Want More?

Catch the full episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform, and don’t forget to check out Higashi Brand for gear that supports you through every phase of your training—injury and all.

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