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TKR ROM issues

@Layla

Layla said:
Wondering what you mean by a body scan?
Click to expand...
The measure of impedance and the corresponding phase angle is a measure of the integrity and function of the body's cells. Trauma like surgery shows up as a decreased phase angle. My body shows recovery, about half way from the worst post surgery to what it was before surgery. The knee is still inflamed and not working very well, but the measurement is for whole body cell health.
 
Wow...that was a mouthful. Interesting!
Sounds like you had a favorable outcome. With the exception of your inflamed knee, but I think you know how to remedy that. I won't say any more about that. :mute: Well...at least today I won't, lol.
@skiforever
 
I know you'll do just fine without PT. You are not a 'sit-at-home-and-do-nothing' type of lady! That's all any knee needs to recover.
 
@sistersinhim

I look forward to doing gentle work on the knee when it feels ok. Gains are sporadic and it is far too easy to be set back for a significant time. If I can gain 1 degree of flexion in a week, that is 26 degrees in 26 weeks and would take me from 110 to 136. Even 1/2 degree a week could get me to 123 in 6 months. That would be fine! Extension might progress similarly. I need to lose 8-10 degrees, maybe targeting a degree a month, rather than a degree or two in every PT day!
 
skiforever said:
The measure of impedance and the corresponding phase angle is a measure of the integrity and function of the body's cells.
Click to expand...
Just interested. How is this actually measured? Is it some kind of ultrasound scan?
 
@EalingGran
EalingGran said:
Just interested. How is this actually measured? Is it some kind of ultrasound scan?
Click to expand...
The device is made by SECA and uses electricity. One stands on it for a minute or so with 4 points of contact. It sends a small electric current through the different parts of the body and measures several things, including body composition, water content, and muscle mass in torso, arms, and legs. My doctor uses the phase angle (between voltage and current) as a measure of cell health. The SECA website has examples of the kinds of information available. See https://www.seca.com/en_us.html.
 
How goes the battle on this eve of your two month anniversary?
Feeling any better today...less pain I hope. :fingersx:
@skiforever
 
@Layla

Yes, less pain. It is a while since PT. :) And I have been doing very little because it felt so bad.

I started measuring the circumference of the knee to try to determine what makes it swell. It is smallest in the morning and tends to gain 1/2 inch during the day. Assuming the best range of motion is when it is smallest I also measured that. Now I have a baseline. I want whatever I do to be helpful or neutral, not harmful.
 
skiforever said:
Does anyone have any idea what to do if the muscles in the upper leg are always tight (contracted)? It is probably more the medial side and hamstrings than the quads, but both are affected.
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I had some of the same issues with my quadriceps from TKR procedural injury and recovery. I found using electrical interferencial treatment along with massage and exercise regime helped manage muscle atrophy, strengthening and recovery. If you use your own home machine make sure u get pad placement and mode direction from a good PT.

Definitely helps relax cramping and twitching muscles, especially if it is waking you in the middle of the night.
:ok:
 
skiforever said:
@Layla

Yes, less pain. It is a while since PT. :) And I have been doing very little because it felt so bad.

I started measuring the circumference of the knee to try to determine what makes it swell. It is smallest in the morning and tends to gain 1/2 inch during the day. Assuming the best range of motion is when it is smallest I also measured that. Now I have a baseline. I want whatever I do to be helpful or neutral, not harmful.
Click to expand...
Haha…. I used to look at my knee the wrong way and I think it would swell…

You seem a very meticulous and calculating persona intent on doing it right via educated decisions. I like it! Will take to further and beyond!
:) :-) (:
 
Hello there, :wave:
Thankfully the pain has lessened. I hope each day is better than the day before.
Happy Two Month Anniversary! :) Have a wonderful day!
@skiforever
 
I still lack any progress in ROM, but I have found out what causes swelling - sitting at the computer. After a few days at a backcountry cabin I had lots of emails and other messages that needed attention. What a bad thing to do. My knee swelled to 17 inches from just sitting at a table.
 
When your knee is bent with your leg down, gravity keeps that added fluid down around your knee and even lower. Is there a way to elevate and ice while you're at the computer? If not, if you can get up and walk around every 10 minutes or so, that should help. What would be even better would be taking a break away from it and ice and elevate if you can't do it while sitting at the keyboard.
 
skiforever said:
have found out what causes swelling - sitting at the computer.
Click to expand...
Yes, this happened to me as well when I tried to go back to work at 6 weeks post-op. I work from home, and thought I would just take a break every hour or so. But, it just wasn't enough.

I ended up switching to my laptop so I could lie on the couch with my leg elevated with ice, and my laptop on my chest. ( Guess that makes it a "chest top"? :heehee: ) It was a bit awkward, but definitely reduced the inflammation.
 
I set my timer to 17 minutes when sitting to draw. Watching a movie in the evening it's easier to change position, but I still hit pause every half hour to take a five minute walk.
 
Things are working better, finally. The circumference of the knee has changed maybe 1/8 to 1/4 inch today. I used the computer with the knee elevated. I worked straightening and flexion. My leg is very close to straight; the hamstring stopped its random firing causing trouble. Beside ADL I rode the stationary bike twice, totalling over 15 minutes and over 3 miles with the seat in a normal low position and cleats on my feet. I walked up a steep paved hill for 1/3 mile and back down. I rowed 500 meters on a Concept 2. When it was cooler earlier I used some Stoko support pants for both warmth and compression on the knee. They felt good. You can google Stoko pants.
 
I gathered my courage and for my 82nd birthday went SCUBA diving in Monterey (cold water) for 86 minutes with my daughter. It included a long swim that taxed my muscles. Oh well, that will encourage them to grow stronger.
 
@skiforever Wow - I have "tried" to dive in that area - major challenge when you have no other complications. Well done! How was your visibility?
 
Happy 82nd Birthday!
Why does it not surprise me how you chose to celebrate your birthday? :wink:
You're pretty phenomenal, skiforever!
Cheers to many more years doing all the things! :cheers:
@skiforever
 
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