TKR Low back pain post LTKR

Chicken Lady

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I am 91/2 weeks postop, LTKR and have been experiencing low back pain when we go to town to do weekly shopping, but it is much worse the day after. Is this to be expected? I mentioned to PT and she thought I might be riding exercise bike too long, have cut back but yesterday we were in and the same problem. Did see chiropractor and she suggested asking PT for exercises to address this but I don't see her for another 2 weeks.c Any suggestions welcome.
 
Hello @Chicken Lady - and :welome:

Please will you tell us the full date of your knee replacement, so we can make a signature for you? Knowing the exact date will help us to advise you appropriately in the future.
Thank you.:flwrysmile:

it sounds to me as if, at only 9.5 weeks into recovery, you could be doing too much. Pay special attention to the article about Activity Progression in the articles I'm going to leave you.

This is a year-long recovery, more of a marathon than sprint, so you do need to pace yourself. it's not something you can bounce back from quickly.

It's not uncommon to get backache post-op, as your body adjusts to the new movements required when you have a new knee and your gait changes.

Here are our Recovery Guidelines:
Knee Recovery: The Guidelines
1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary
2. Control discomfort:
rest
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you​
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.​

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these

5. Try to follow this

6. Access to these pages on the website

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here
Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in the majority of BoneSmart’s forums, we ask that each member have only One Recovery Thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.
 
I'm 4 months post surgery and am only using a mini peddler as after trying the static bike a few weeks back I too suffered back ache, also my PT instructor says that for years I had been hobbling (limping) so it will take time for my body "gait" to get used to walking normally again.
I would suggest rest /ice and an anti-inflammatory for a few days maybe use a recumbent bike instead or a mini peddler that way your back is protected and use zero resistance.
Hope you are feeling better xx
 
Thanks Sara. I only have access to an upright bike. I have reduced my rpm to 30 instead of the 65-70 I had been doing and resistance is as low as it goes. Time down to 5 minutes.
Today I have rested and ice. It is easing. I am going to have to quit pushing. My partner has been doing my chickens for me but was starting to grumble so was pushing to try to do more than just close them in at night.
I guess I have to ease in instead of pushing to do everything.
 
I’m looking forward to getting back to aquagym, but no plans for cycling except perhaps 10 minutes with the Kine (physio) but not just yet. I expect you’re doing fine. Your partner needs to realise this takes time.
 

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