Meet Bruny
Bruny Surin requires no introduction. An elite athlete, Bruny became famous at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, winning a gold medal in the 4 x 100 m relay. A four-time Olympian and an eight-time 100 metre Canadian champion, he has a personal record of 9.84 seconds and is ranked the 10th fastest sprinter in history.
Since then, Bruny has become a coach, a motivational speaker and founder of the Bruny Surin Foundation, which promotes a healthy and active lifestyle among young people. He is proud to have been appointed Canada’s Chef de Mission for the 2024 Olympics by the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Pain and injury have always been part of Bruny’s life. In 2013 when his knee pain was so intense that he had trouble walking, Bruny went to see a doctor. The diagnosis was clear: OA of the knee.
Fortunately, Bruny discovered ways to manage the OA-related pain, including with Synvisc-One®. He found relief for the joint pain in his knees.
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Make sightseeing active: As you explore, fill your days with activities that keep you moving and stretching. Try visiting shops or landmarks by walking or cycling instead of by car.
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OA-friendly holidays: With a little planning, you can select lodgings that allow you to balance relaxation with activity. Many hotels offer a gym or fitness centre for you to use. Even a swimming pool is a great way to keep your joints moving with low-impact activity. Think about the location you choose for your lodging – does it allow you to reach landmarks by walking, at least in part? Staying in some locations offers better opportunities to keep moving than others.
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Enjoy healthy meals: As you sample delicious local dishes, aim for meals with plenty of vegetables and foods high in healthy fats (like fish, olive oil, and egg yolks). Avoid processed and deep-fried meals. Don’t panic if you find it more challenging to maintain a healthy diet while on vacation – it’s to be expected!
At first, Bruny was shocked to learn that he had OA of the knee. At the time of his diagnosis, Bruny was applying ice to his painful knees and tried physiotherapy, but this did not provide the relief he was looking for.
Bruny’s doctor was reassuring. He recommended Synvisc-One®, an injection that provides relief for joint pain associated with OA and that allows more extensive movement of the knee and a potential return to his usual, favourite activities. There was one problem, however: Bruny had a fear of needles. Determined to find pain relief, he was pleased that the injection went smoothly. Aside from a temporary discomfort, it was nothing to fear!
Relief of OA-related pain
From his first experience with Synvisc-One®, Bruny felt long-lasting relief. He went a little more than 6 months before returning for his next injection.
Returning to the activities he loves
Since finding relief with Synvisc-One®, Bruny has been enjoying walks, long bike rides, training at the gym, swimming, and more. He makes sure to follow all of his doctor’s directions when exercising, which include avoiding squats, soccer, and running.
Bruny’s schedule sees him travelling to far-off places frequently. He makes sure to continue his wellness routine, which is flexible and allows him to maintain it no matter where he is. When he is travelling, Bruny supports his joints with OA-friendly stretching exercises and smart lifestyle choices.
Bruny’s Tips
“Synvisc-One® has been helpful for my knee over the last few years, even recently during my vacation in Portugal! Exploring the beautiful cities and landscapes that Portugal has to offer can involve navigating many stairs and uneven terrains. It's good to take care of your health while enjoying your travels. Remember to continue following any medical advice and taking the necessary precautions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.”
—Bruny after his trip to Portugal, 2023
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