43 Years After a Career-Threatening Accident, Frank Zane Opened Up About His Lesser-Known Recovery Method

The King of Aesthetics, Frank Zane, was gearing up to make his run at a fourth consecutive Mr. Olympia title in 1980. However, shortly before the historic and controversial Mr. Olympia contest, Zane had a near career-ending accident. It resulted in the defending champion losing 15 lbs of muscle and might have cost him the prestigious title. However, the bodybuilding legend who defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger also sustained other injuries.

Besides the 1980 accident, The Chemist had sustained injuries in his shoulders and a nagging lower back injury. In January, 43 years after the accident, the 80-year-old bodybuilding veteran disclosed how he manages these injuries. The three-time Mr. Olympia also revealed a technique people rarely used to treat injuries.

Injuries and an uncommon therapy to treat the pain

Before 1980, Mr. Olympia, Zane, was confident about his chances of winning a fourth Sandow. However, a routine swim in his house pool turned into a nightmare scenario for the bodybuilder. “One day I jumped in the pool. I hit the lip of the pool in my urethra, smashed my urethra,” recounted the 80-year-old in an interview with Lisa Alastuey. However, he doesn’t consider it the worst one of his career. 

In the Jan 2023 interview with Keep Fit Kingdom, The Chemist revealed “the worst” injuries of his career. “Both shoulders,” said Zane. “I had my right shoulder replaced 10 or 12 years ago. It’s fine now,” Zane revealed during the interview. He also disclosed he had rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder. Besides the traditional methods, Zane revealed his lesser-known technique.

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Besides regular stretching, heat, and cold therapy, Frank Zane uses ultrasound to treat pain. While bodybuilders resort to the other methods the 80-year-old mentioned, The Chemist also uses ultrasound “when something gets a bit serious.” The interviewer found the former Mr. Universe’s answer fascinating and asked for his opinion.

Frank Zane vouches for the special therapy

Frank Zane said he would keep most of his old injuries from falling up through stretching and regular exercise. He also takes some supplements and maintains a strict diet at 80. However, if nothing works, the former champion turns to ultrasound therapy. “I think it’s a really good therapy,” Zane told the interviewer.

The man who defeated The Austrian Oak also doesn’t use ultrasound therapy as the only method when something severe happens. “I’ll use ultrasound then follow it up with ice,” he said. While not widely used, The Chemist approves of the therapy. Did you know about ultrasound used for pain relief? Let us know in the comments.

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