One year out from LTKR:
I found a certified (MLD) medical massage therapist in a small practice a few miles from me. I had a half hour session last week that felt great. Next time I’m able to get an appt in 2 weeks she will use half the hour on the lymph system and half on knee massage. Not sure if this will have any long term benefit but want to feel good and pamper this knee that has troubled me for so long.
I quit my second round of PT that lasted from June-September. I initially got to 98 but regressed again to 90ish. I didn’t think it was helping too much. Interestingly, they told me kneeling could not possibly hurt my knee and promoted it as a great way to stretch. The surgeon, (just had my one year visit this morning) however, recommends I do not kneel any more than necessary because it could eventually break a prong on my implant which he proceeded to show me with a model of the joint. He said if I’m balancing on all fours in my exercise class that is probably ok.
At my one year follow up with the surgeon he noted I had some swelling and warmth in my knee but said it can last until 18 months or so. I will go for bloodwork to rule out an infection. (They said this is highly doubtful since I have very minor swelling/warmth and no other symptoms) They are also starting me on an anti inflammatory Meloxicam because I mentioned Advil makes me more comfortable when I take it which is rarely. They feel the ROM issue is scar tissue and that I have unfortunately regressed since being released from PT 3 months post surgery and despite my best efforts to keep it bending. The X-ray showed the implant looks good but the patella has lifted indicating a shortening of the patellar tendon due to hardening scar tissue (called knee baja). They say surgery is a possibility to stretch the tendon and remove scar tissue. But in their experience it works for some but causes even more scar tissue for others. They don’t recommend a MUA at this late stage due to the risk of damaging the bones. He did mention a torture device that could be worn 8 hours a day to continuously stretch the joint. Sounds terrible. First will try Meloxicam to settle the inflammation and verify bloodwork is ok.
To end on a positive note, I like the massage therapist - good suggestion. And, I can walk and hike like my younger self. Also, that horrible pain hobbling to the bathroom during the night with bone on bone knee - gone!!! I get up free of pain or stiffness and am thankful for that every night.
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