TKR kmak's TKR recovery thread

[kmak81230]

I had a good PT session today. No measuring - always a plus. But good feedback nonetheless: "Your flexion looks really good on your own." KNEERAH! After some good joint mobilization work my extension was also better on my own than two weeks ago. DOUBLE KNEERAH! We're talking single degrees of improvement here and still not flat on the table but for me this is huge progress (went from fitting a kitchen sink under the knee to barely a hand). My PT does not push too hard - she works it, but not to pain - and said that there is still give in the knee - so not stuck!! I mentioned some frustration with nerves, clicks, wobbles, and swelling and was reminded that a year is a long time . She also reinforced what others have posted - clicks are a good thing. It means that there is now more "play" in the joint and that I should expect to gain more ROM as a result. She said that it might always be there but that I would get used to it. The return of the wobble might also be linked to the clicking as with more play in the knee the quad and other muscles have to work a little harder for stabilization. My op leg quad is still quite weak - but no problem as I still need work to strengthen the glutes. Glutes, then quad, according to my wonderful PT. Swelling was less today so was able to navigate stairs pretty well - both up and down. All in all, a good day!

 

[kmak81230]

Ps: she said my scar looks great . This should keep me out of the pity party for at least a couple of weeks.

 

[Fire wolf]

A great big KNEERAH!!!!

 

[Jennszoo]

Good update and thanks for that tidbit - glutes then quads. I'm rehabbing myself here now and that's good info.

 

[Fire wolf]

Think of the clicks, crackles, etc as our auditions for the next Rice Crispies commercials!

 

[Polkadot]

Oooohhhhh, now I get it, @VW54! Good one!

 

[Pheebs52]

Great report, Kneetastic! Guess what? Gary says the same thing on the glutes, then the quads, lol! I'm so glad you've had such an improvement to ROM; super kool!

 

[Polkadot]

Super report, @kmak81230! KNEERAH indeed! You need to celebrate, and also store up the good cheer for the next time you doubt your forward movement!! I believe that I back-tracked this weekend, but will find out tomorrow at PT.

Re the clicks and clacks, have you noticed new sensations when they happen? Your comment about "more play in the knee" made me think of it. Sometimes along with the noises, I get some not-so-pleasant feelings, like a bone or something is moving incorrectly and (according to my overactive imagination!) is trying to pop out of place. Logically, I know it's a good thing to have happen. After all, when my knee and surrounding areas were swollen, my physical therapist couldn't even feel my kneecap some days. It's gotta be something to cheer when things loosen up!

 

[Fire wolf]

@Polkadot, I get those same odd feelings that you describe, and chock it up to things settling into place. Of course after I torn up original Spence I had some of those same feelings, but that was probably for the opposite reason. Also, nothing much *rattles* me in terms of what Bionic Spence says or does.

@kmak81230, are there preferred glute exercises? I never made it that far in PT. My PT kept wanting to discharge me before I wanted to be, but I stopped when I returned to work.

 

[kmak81230]

@Polkadot - yes, I know the weird feeling associated with the click - like something is out of place. It doesn't hurt - just feels odd. I'm trusting it's all part of the plan...I hope your PT appt goes well tomorrow.

@Jennszoo - pheebs' PT also confirmed glutes, then quads. She and I are fortunate to have PTs who have similar philosophies about rehab and a heavy focus on functional mobility vs ROM obsession.

 

[kmak81230]

@ fire wolf - most of the exercises we do in PT are focused on glutes and stability - pretty specific to where I am in recovery so it's hard to describe them but lots of sidewards walking in slight squat position with various kinds of resistance or using balance mats with different kinds of weight shifting.

 

[Fire wolf]

@kmak81230, thanks. I absolutely know the exercises that you are talking about as I have done them in other knee rehabs. Just wasn't sure which ones were more glute specific.

 

[kmak81230]

I just know they are glute specific as my glutes get tired when doing them if my form is correct.

 

[Fire wolf]

But that good kind of tired I imagine!

 

[Canada35]

Way to go Kathleen! I thought I saw you pedalling past my house but I must have been mistaken lol!

 

[kmak81230]

Lol @Canada35 - while I might hope to do a cycling tour in Canada someday, at this point I am barely out of my neighborhood - must've been my twin. Oh wait, you are my surgery twin

 

[Fire wolf]

Cycling tour of Canada will probably be scheduled shortly after cycling to square off with notorious RBG!

 

[sistersinhim]

What a wonderful report!

 

[Pheebs52]

Sometimes, like this morning, I feel as though my knee is "inside/out" or twisted. It's just a brief sensation that generally occurs after some clickety-clack action.


Sent from my iPhone using BoneSmart Forum

 

[SusieShoes]

Isn't it great when you have a positive PT report? Sounds like everything is clicking along as should be. It's interesting that the clicks and clunks appear as the knee is gaining ROM (at least that's what happened with me). More play, as you say. The muscles will strengthen and snug in that knee, so the clicks may go away. Otherwise, I'm sure we do get used to them. Definitely store up all those positive feelings and vibes. There will be plateaus, and stalls, and just plain not-good days ahead, but ever so many more good ones!