At Four Months, PT, and ROM

[SusieSW]

Hi Folks. This one is for those of you who are a few months post op. I know we all have different experiences, but I wonder sometimes if I'm on track. I'm still in PT twice a week, and I really need to be. I get the impression that quite a few of you are done with it, or at least doing the work on your own. Today, I had a good workout, was able to handle more weight on the machines like the leg press, etc, did ok on the bike. I felt like I was able to bend further and push harder. But - when she measured my ROM, both legs were still at 116. I really thought I was doing better than that - and I really thought I'd be further than that at four months. I think in so many ways I'm doing well - walking without any aids, pretty steady gait - but I can't seem to get past this point with the ROM. We're going to add some exercises to try to push it further (I bet that's going to have me yelping again). I feel like I've come up against a wall I can't get past. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Susan

 

[Skeet]

I wonder if the ROM we may expect is related to our pre-op status? I had great ROM prior to the surgery and at 6 weeks I was at 115 or more. That was without pain or tears at PT. I'm still workin on increasing it to 120 with ease. I think I'm there, but I keep pushing it while I'm in the hot tub. That seems to be the easiest place for me to push it without much discomfort. I pull my leg back until it is uncomfortable and then hold it for at least a minute then I let go relax and do it again and again and again.

Another option is to have your PT or doctor work with you to move it further but that will probably be painful. What is it that you need to do that requires greater ROM? I feel like I can do all I need to at this point, so the rest is gravy.

 

[kath]

Well I am at 7 weeks and only at 105 and I am happy with that so far. I think it just takes time. I couldn't bend my old knee that far so I feel like I have really come a long way. I have a lot of muscle work to do yet, but 115 and 120 sounds wonderful to me.

 

[Barb123]

I'm at 10 weeks and only at 107 with much pushing back and pain from my PT. I wish I was at 115!

 

[1jt@atime]

Susie, I am at 6 months and I know that I don't have any more then maybe 110-115 flex, max. I am also shy on the extension. I am still trying, and in fact sitting here typing with a pillow under my ankle, to straighten my leg and am in severe pain from it. My doctor said this may be it for ROM but not to give up working it. Like Skeet said above about it being related to preop status, I agree with her. I couldn't bend my leg straight before so I think it may not be reasonable to expect a whole lot more now. The important thing is to keep moving it.

By the way, with this ROM, I can get up and down stairs, ride a bike and most everything I need to do, day to day, so I'm happy! That bone on bone pain is gone! Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Something to celebrate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen

 

[Jamie]

Karen, my therapist says function over numbers EVERY time! Sounds like you're a great example of why that is true.

 

[Nursepair]

I agree with Jamie, if I could get up the stairs and ride a bike I think I would be very happy, I am 12 weeks PO and at 87-90 only.

 

[1jt@atime]

Hang in there Nurse. Your doctor will get you to where you need to be........ Some of us just can't get there on our own no matter how hard we try.

 

[Nursepair]

Thanks 1joint. Just posted on Milestones thread. Got on bike at 1.30am and went right round, finally!!!!!!! I am 12 weeks and 4 days. I am crying with happiness now!!!

 

[Jamie]

Thanks 1joint. Just posted on Milestones thread. Got on bike at 1.30am and went right round, finally!!!!!!! I am 12 weeks and 4 days. I am crying with happiness now!!!

Sue....what a wonderful report that you had a REAL turn on the bike today! I'm so happy for you. That is the best feeling, isn't it! ...Jamie