Tess Holliday Walked 10,000 Steps After MCL Injury
The 41-year-old model recently navigated Disneyland after a long recovery from a torn medial collateral ligament.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Weight Loss
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Tess Holliday achieved a 10,000-step milestone during a recent trip to Disneyland. This activity marks a significant recovery step for the 41-year-old following a torn medial collateral ligament sustained in early 2025.
Why it matters
Reaching high step counts is often used as a physical therapy benchmark for individuals recovering from significant knee injuries. Holliday's return to walking suggests a positive progression in her long-term rehabilitation.
Holliday, 41, tracked her movement during a full day at Disneyland after a 2025 injury. Her recovery regimen has also included 30-minute sessions on a treadmill.
The players
Tess Holliday
She is a 41-year-old model and media personality who has been documenting her recovery from a serious knee injury.
Disneyland
This is a major theme park located in Anaheim that served as the site for Holliday's recent physical activity.
The details
Holliday tore her medial collateral ligament in March 2025 after catching her foot on the tread of a sliding door, which caused her to shift her weight awkwardly onto her right leg. Her recent excursion to the Anaheim theme park serves as a physical indicator of her progress since the accident.
Timeline
Holliday tore her medial collateral ligament in March 2025.
She recorded her 10,000 steps while at Disneyland on September 23, 2026.
The Big Picture
Her recovery trajectory aligns with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' knee rehabilitation protocols. These clinical standards prioritize gradual increases in load-bearing activity to restore functional stability after an MCL injury.
For those managing similar knee injuries, the progress highlights the importance of consistent movement as a recovery tool. Patients should always consult a physician before attempting high-step-count activities to avoid re-injury.
The takeaway
Achieving milestone activity levels after a major injury requires a cautious and incremental approach to movement. Tracking daily step counts can provide a measurable way to monitor physical improvements during the healing process.
Further reading
For more on the challenges of maintaining activity levels during medical recovery, visit the Weight Loss section.
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Do you believe persistent effort is the primary driver of physical recovery after a major injury?
