I’m Dylan Simpson. I started playing soccer, and over the years I’ve played baseball and picked up a lot of other sports, including softball, pickleball, volleyball, biking, and hiking. Being active has always been a big part of my life.
I’ve had two knee surgeries, with my most recent one being an ACL and meniscus surgery on July 24. After going through knee surgery and rehab twice, I know how challenging the process can be. That’s also why I started documenting my recovery journey—to share the good days, the hard days, and hopefully encourage other people going through something similar.
X2 has become a regular part of my recovery. I use cold therapy about six times a day, especially in the morning when I get up and around my rehab sessions. The two things I’ve noticed the most are the cold therapy and compression. After working my knee during rehab, being able to cool it down and use compression afterward has become something I really look forward to.
Now, 66 days into my recovery, I’ve made a lot of progress and am about two months away from starting a running program. My PT has told me that I’ve been ahead of schedule throughout my recovery, and I’m excited to keep working toward getting back to the activities I love.
Follow Dylan’s recovery, step by step
Clips from Dylan’s own feed, in the order they were posted.
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Watch on TikTok Starting with the X2Aug 23, 2026
“Not just focusing, but investing”
After his ACL and meniscus surgery, Dylan set one goal for his comeback: put real effort into recovery. He swaps the ice packs and heating pads he used to rely on for the X2 — cooling, heating and compression in a portable case.
“It’s made recovery convenient and easy.”
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Watch on TikTok Day 53 · First day back at workSep 16, 2026
Back at the office
Dylan starts the day with push-ups and a 15-minute heat session to loosen up his knee before a long day on his feet. A coworker switches desks so he can keep his leg up, and he brings the X2 to ice throughout the day.
“I’m a little anxious on how the knee’s gonna hold up.”
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Watch on TikTok Day 55Sep 18, 2026
A presentation and a tailgate
A big presentation at work, then a tailgate party in the evening. Dylan fits in two ice sessions during the workday — and is honest that his knee was sore by the end of it.
“We’re able to ice our knee twice at work today, which was huge.”
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Watch on TikTok Day 56 · PT daySep 19, 2026
Graduating to real weights
A 15-minute heat session before work, then a PT session focused on glute and quad strength: band walks, single-leg and double-leg press, TKEs and single-leg step-ups. On the leg press, he moves up from the band machine to actual weights.
“If you’re coming back from knee surgery, I would definitely recommend heating your knee before you start your day.”
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Watch on TikTok Day 57Sep 20, 2026
A busy weekend, one session at a time
Heat in the morning before hosting family for his hometown’s pumpkin festival, ten minutes on the bike at the gym, and 15 minutes of ice when his knee starts to ache before a movie night.
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Watch on TikTok Day 61 · A rough daySep 24, 2026
Not every day is a good one
A mix-up with his PT appointment, then a painful and stressful day at work. Dylan does two ice sessions and calls it a night — and shares the hard days as openly as the good ones.
“You can’t have the rainbow without the rain.”
Follow Dylan’s journey on Instagram and TikTok.
Individual experiences vary. This story reflects one person’s experience and is not medical advice — always follow the guidance of your surgeon and physical therapist.