3 weeks post-op

Hi everyone, here I am 3 weeks post-op for a revision TKR. The surgery went fine, 3 days in the hospital, no CPM, started PT on the 5th day. The pain is somewhat manageable, I am walking gingerly with a cane now. The main concern I have is with the PT. My guy is very agressive, VERY, he is determined to get 0 extention though I seem stuck at 12 and tells me it needs to be 0 by a month or so post op or may never get it. The pain he causes pushing on it is over the top and the next day the pain pretty much prevents normal excersize. My gut tells me he's pushing too hard but I'd never forgive myself if I backed off and didn't get full extension. Do you have any thoughts on how much I should push my knee? Maybe something I can tell my therepist or other techniques? I am discourged about my lack of progress after the extreme effort he is extending, any comments will be greatly appreciated.

Sue

Hi Sue,
I am 2 1/2 wks post op and had a similar situation. My regular PT, who I went to for pre-op PT, is more gentle and doesn't push me to where I want to scream. His partner, however, was much more aggressive when I saw him. I will not accept an appt with this guy now. There has to be a middle ground. I expect pain, and know it will help, but there is a limit. I hope someone here can advise you, as I am just a newbie! Good luck.
Jeanne

Here we are again:DOH:

This is the most frequent request we get, probably 10 per week, all suffering from aggressive PT's. All being told bullshit about your knee locking up.

A punch on the nose of the PT is the most suitable action.:biggrin:

It's totally untrue, the reality is that rest and frequent gentle exercises (plus meds and ice) will get you where you want to be. Many , many of us on here have done this, and are back to full fitness.

The only thing you get from aggressive PT is swelling and pain, which reduces ROM and extension, not increase it.

So i'd can the aggressive PT and you'll see a major improvement in a week or two

Hi Suetara,

I am 8.5 weeks post-op. About 2 weeks ago my PT put me in a flexor machine. My husband was with me and I was crying like a baby. I told my PT that I would NEVER do that machine again, and I haven't. I don't plan on paying or being tortured doing something in my heart I know can't be good for me. If it hurts that badly it will only set you back. I have actually stopped my "formal" physical therapy and feel I have done better on my own knowing my own limits.

Good luck, stick to your gut and guns.

:yes 4:

Suetara,
Hi! I am not the usual knee patient but I have had my struggles with extension along the way. I think the exercises that use gravity are the best.. and in retrospect I would not let anyone to hang weights from my leg to straighten it. I also learned the hard way, if they are working on me and I am crying in pain & they do not stop what they are doing, a vocal "NO" from you as the patient is appropriate. I also would not be afraid to change PT offices. I actually went to 2 other places until I found a PT who would work with me & understood causing me more pain was NOT the answer. I think you are still very early on your recovery so I would not worry too much. Look at the library here for exercises for extension and do not let any PT bully you. You know your limits and stick to your intuition, we really need to listen to OUR bodies. Hang in there!:wubroses:
Parla

Back when I was doing PT, I had horrible pain when they tried to straighten my knee. The extension was about 10 degrees. The PT said he wasn't worried about my extension and backed off. (I had significant scar tissue and a protracted recovery.)

Fast forward to today, five months out. I have my husband straighten my knee every day (it can get to 0 but backslides to 5 each day still). The first stretch is very gentle -- just a few seconds. I bend to release the tension, and do another slightly longer and more serious stretch but still GENTLE. With each successive stretch I increase the duration and stretch, SLOWLY, bending it to release tension between each stretch. Anything more than mild discomfort = stop. After about 4-5 warm up stretches of 20 seconds or less, my leg becomes willing to go to 0. This morning I stayed at 0 for a minute. I noticed at 45 seconds it settled even more into the stretch.

My point is, you have to take the reins and control the PT and LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. PTs are there to offer their expertise and guide you, but your job is to make the final decisions based on how each exercise or stretch feels. Patient Power!

Disclaimer: my comments are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute a doctor's advice.

Thank you all for the confirmation. I will be talking to my PT today he will either change his technique or I will move on. You are all great.
Sue

Hi Sue. I am 5 weeks out from a bilaterial total knee replacement. I am doing my PT at home 100% on my own.

The reason is in the first 2 weeks I went through 3 PT places. I was yelled at, I was told to go see my Dr and get drugged and then come back. I sobbed in pain! Not cried. Sobbed! Once I would get home it would take me at least 5 hrs just to get the pain under control. It would take until it was time to return for more PT before the pain was at a do-able level.

You do what you need to do for yourself, but if you chose to do home PT, all the information you will need is right here at this site. Just contact Jamie, Josephine or any of the other MODS/ADMIN people and they can give you all the links.

Please keep us posted how your doing.