I had my manipulation five weeks after my surgery. I started PT on the fifth day (then had a day and a half off because I needed blood). I had daily PT while I was in the hospital (the rehab was in the hospital for me, so I spent two weeks in the hospital). I had PT three times a week after I was released.
Before my manipulation, I could barely bend my knee to 65. With extreme help/massage/electrode-thingy, I could get to 70, but before the hour was up, I'd go back to 55 to 65. I could straighten it with no problem.
After the manipulation, I was bending to 70 easily and with PT, it would only get better. I'm now past 100, even when I'm stiffened up (from long sitting sessions or whatever).
Following my manipulation, I had a problem with stiffness. Before, I could stand up (with a walker) and simply walk. But afterwards, I'd have to stand up, pause, move my leg a bit as if I needed an oil can for my knee. I also had more difficulty straightening, but I could still do it.
My pain was pretty intense for a week or two following the manipulation, but I was able to walk (with a walker or crutches). And after the manipulation, my PT progressed quite well and at an even pace.
As for the pain, I had to go back to ice and elevation, as if I were at the start again. My doctor gave me percocet, but it made me queasy. He switched me to Vicodin (which I've taken for years- only at night, for other arthritis pain). It didn't relieve the pain so much as it just took the edge off and I was able to function (but again, that's mostly because I've taken Vicodin for years).
United Kingdom
