TKR Questions about knee extension and scar massage

[ses9663]

I have done the lying face down on the bed exercise. The PT has done this with the heat and a 5 lb weight. Thanks for the suggestion. I meant to try the heat at home while dangling. I will start doing this exercise as it does not bother me as much. I also sit with my knee straight on the ottoman. Thank you so much for the advice.

 

[ses9663]

@referee54 Did I see you post somewhere that you broke your own adhesions? The OS told me that I am prone to scar tissue which is part of the ROM problem. He told me to massage my scar often. It does seem to feel less stiff when I do this.

 

[referee54]

I did have adhesions, but they were not part of the external scar.

I have to confess that I did not like doing the extension exercises, either---flexion seemed so much easier, but it was indeed tedious---but the extension #'s did get better.

 

[Josephine]

I have done the lying face down on the bed exercise. The PT has done this with the heat and a 5 lb weight.

5lbs is NOT a 'small weight'! You'd be much better of not using weights at all.

The OS told me that I am prone to scar tissue which is part of the ROM problem

They always do this! I think it just saves them from having to really think about the issue. It's easier just to say 'it's scar tissue' when the real facts are that what they are referring to (adhesions) are actually quite rare whilst swelling and pain caused by the PT make you have is much more common.

 

[Newknee54]

Yes I have had my PT I go to for myofasical release use a sink plunger on areas that are tight.I do not mind it...but don't know how I would feel about using on my knee scar...I may just try it.


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Kneenew54

 

[kneeper]

We generally say don't take pain meds *in order to do * PT; on the other hand if you have pain (which can feel like stiffness) pain meds can help. With the pain under control you will be able to do your exercises.

If massaging your scar feels good, I'd say why not? Just don't go crazy and make it more painful. ;)

 

[Celle]

Yes I have had my PT I go to for myofasical release use a sink plunger on areas that are tight.I do not mind it...but don't know how I would feel about using on my knee scar...I may just try it.

I wouldn't let anyone with something like that anywhere near my new knee!
Anything you do to your knee (and especially the scar) should be gentle.

 

[referee54]

I would simply take a few sessions a day of either using the leg resting on the ottoman or lying face down on the bed and letting gravity do its business. I found that the heating pad helped a great deal---it is not nearly as fun nor as easy as getting flexion, but certain things may just take longer and more time than others to regain.