MUA Susie2023's TKR Recovery

[InkedMarie]

I’m so glad you got out with your husband @Susie2023 . Glad he‘s being more understanding with your recovery.

Marie

 

[JusticeRider]

I know some people here like @JusticeRider have used massage for swelling and I think there is a special kind called Vodder technique for lymph drainage. She might be able to tell you more about it.

I do swear by massage as a healing modality. My massage therapist has been absolutely indispensable during my recovery! Especially considering I am ‘a sweller’ the massage has been key.
I haven’t heard the term Vodder technique used before, until I believe @CricketHip mentioned it on another thread. Could be it’s just not common in my area? But I think she said it is a type of lymphatic drainage massage. My therapist uses mainly lymphatic drainage and myofaschial release, along with some other techniques. Look for someone who specializes in ‘medical massage’, ‘post surgical massage’, or ‘orthopedic massage’. But specifically I think the use of lymphatic drainage is so helpful for swelling, so ask about that.

 

[CricketHip]

There are several different methods of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) that can be beneficial.
The Vodder method is much more recognized than others. It is also the technique recognized/respected by the medical community.
That doesn’t mean other techniques aren’t beneficial. I would want to ask more questions if I needed their help.
My training was a bit more extensive because I was working with oncology and lymphedema issues.
This was on top of my certification in medical, ortho and post surgical massage, which only briefly touched on MLD.
The most important thing to ask for is someone CERTIFIED in MLD. The cherry on top is that it’s Vodder.
Thank you for the tag @JusticeRider .

 

[Susie2023]

Funny or weird reaction. My surgical leg stretches/flexes by itself. I mean it feels good but sometimes it's so extreme lol. It's only after I slept. Has anyone experienced this?

 

[benne68]

My surgical leg stretches/flexes by itself.

Not sure what you mean by this. Could you explain a bit more? Is it like having a muscle spasm?

 

[Susie2023]

Yes. Hope I can explain it. So you know how when you wake up you stretch your body from head to toe (I know some folks font do this lol)? So I put arms over head and stretch them and stretch my legs like trying to tough wall with toes. This exercise, while feels very good, causes the surgical leg to REALLY stretch, and I'm talking a very deep stretch. Almost like I can't stop it. The first time it happened, I was alarmed thinking the stretching would tear a ligament or tendon. But so far it hasn't. I'm thinking the leg must need it since it experied trauma during surgery.

 

[Susie2023]

So pt this week has been good. Flexion and extension not good on Tuesday since I was laid up last week. The pt worked on the scar tissue with a metal tool. Also did some stretching and movement while legs hanging off the side of the bed. Today flexion and extension better. I do much better with legs off the side of the bed for flexion compared to laying on my back, trying to pull the leg in. Pt said muscles really tight above knee. Pt gave me new exercises on Tuesday. I did them twice yesterday and felt they really helped. I'm going to try and do them the prescribed 4xdaily if I can but not over doing it.

My appointment with OS is 3/17. While I stressed myself out about a possible MUA, I am open to discussing it with him. But I would prefer not to have that procedure. There is one area besides the tight quads and swelling that I feel is really restricting my flexion. It's painful. During pt we do the stretches to the uncomfortable level, not painful. But I feel if we could just get past that restriction I could progress better. I know it will take some time and continued exercising but I sure would LOVE a little positive motion!!! It would go a very long way to help encourage me. Sometimes you just need that little something!

 

[benne68]

Pt said muscles really tight above knee.

Have you thought about seeing a massage therapist? Quite a few of our members have found that helpful in releasing/relaxing leg muscles that remain tight. I know it was a game changer for me.

Just be sure you see someone who does therapeutic or sports massage and can target the muscles that are giving you trouble.

 

[Jockette]

The pt worked on the scar tissue with a metal tool.

In my opinion, this is an aggressive action, called the Graston Technique, and personally I will never consent to it. Your “scar tissue” will heal and settle down in time without such treatments. How have you felt during and afterwards?

 

[Susie2023]

Surprisingly, it's actually helped to release a lot of pressure and tightness I've had in that area. I've had it done twice now. I'm able to sit with knee at 90 without feeling I need to move it forward. I hadn't been able to do that.

I also use a roller on my thigh and calf, they've been tight. I have a massage appointment on 4/5.

Something that I have a very challenging time with is the exercise where you're either sitting or supine and bring your foot to your bottom. I just am unable to get that without restriction and pain, and cant for the life of me figure out why. A pt was helping my pt on Thursday and was monitoring me as I did this exercise. She said pull it closer. I just ignored her. If I could do that I wouldn't be there. Do they think before they speak? Thankfully the 2 I normally see aren't aggressive in that regard.

 

[Jockette]

I’m glad you’re doing ok with the Graston. My son had that done on the incision on his arm, after he broke it and had surgery. He said it was painful but he believed they had to do it. I now know they don’t have to do it. My PTs never used that on my knee, I can’t even imagine!

She said pull it closer. I just ignored her. If I could do that I wouldn't be there. Do they think before they speak?

Sometimes I do wonder!

I agree with you, do what works for you, ignore what doesn’t.

 

[JusticeRider]

Something that I have a very challenging time with is the exercise where you're either sitting or supine and bring your foot to your bottom. I just am unable to get that without restriction and pain, and cant for the life of me figure out why.

I had the same issue, and still do a little bit. What works for me is sitting on a table with my legs hanging off and then pulling my heels back. Not pushing with my other foot crossed over or anything, just using my muscles to pull it back. I get the best results that way and it feels so much better to me than traditional heel slides, so I just stopped doing them.

 

[beachy]

My left knee is 4+ yrs old. I can't bring left heel to my bottom. But, it is a great knee. Flex is fine, doesn't restrict me at all. At 69 yo I don't think I need to bring foot to butt

 

[Susie2023]

I’m glad you’re doing ok with the Graston. My son had that done on the incision on his arm, after he broke it and had surgery. He said it was painful but he believed they had to do it.

The pt didn't use the device on the incision the first time, she used it to the sides of the incision. She used her finger on the incision! I realize this is a bit more aggressive but I trust her and she knows the restrictions I've been experiencing.

 

[Susie2023]

My left knee is 4+ yrs old. I can't bring left heel to my bottom. But, it is a great knee. Flex is fine, doesn't restrict me at all. At 69 yo I don't think I need to bring foot to butt

Hahaha! Good point! I'm 69 too.

What degree of flexion do you have? I think I can get to a 100 this week, which I'm excited about. The exercises my pt gave me to do at home are really helpful. My gait has improved!

 

[LD of Michigan]

I hear that. I'm 62 and hardly needing too much knee-flex-deluxe......

My goal is to be able to continue a full rotation (without pain) on a bicycle, as that's my most comfortable form or exercise (indoor or out). And do basic squats when I use my weights.

 

[beachy]

Yesterday flex in new knee was 130 per PT and his measuring device. Tuesday it was 120 at follow up with doc, but he eyeballed it. Maybe split the difference at 125 ? LOL. Its just a number and will improve.

All good news for you with flex and gait!!! At this stage of recovery your numbers are only going to get better with time and movement. I just walked for 20 min (slowly) around the clubhouse in our neighborhood. I felt it by time I left!

 

[beachy]

@LD of Michigan flex deluxe

 

[WillB]

Yes. Hope I can explain it. So you know how when you wake up you stretch your body from head to toe (I know some folks font do this lol)? So I put arms over head and stretch them and stretch my legs like trying to tough wall with toes. This exercise, while feels very good, causes the surgical leg to REALLY stretch, and I'm talking a very deep stretch. Almost like I can't stop it. The first time it happened, I was alarmed thinking the stretching would tear a ligament or tendon. But so far it hasn't. I'm thinking the leg must need it since it experied trauma during surgery.

Susie2023! What you are describing is exactly what I feel from time to time. Like a big huge body yawn and stretch but localized to my leg. Like I want to push my leg through a wall. Especially at night or when getting out of a chair after a while of sitting. Not sure if its helping my extension but sure feels painfully good! My surgery was Jan 12 and I know I overuse my knee. Driving a stick shift and playing a little pickleball. But these are good for my mental health after 9 weeks!! Love reading how everyone is doing and experiencing.

 

[Susie2023]

Yes. Hope I can explain it. So you know how when you wake up you stretch your body from head to toe (I know some folks font do this lol)? So I put arms over head and stretch them and stretch my legs like trying to tough wall with toes. This exercise, while feels very good, causes the surgical leg to REALLY stretch, and I'm talking a very deep stretch. Almost like I can't stop it. The first time

Susie2023! What you are describing is exactly what I feel from time to time. Like a big huge body yawn and stretch but localized to my leg. Like I want to push my leg through a wall. Especially at night or when getting out of a chair after a while of sitting. Not sure if its helping my extension but sure feels painfully good! My surgery was Jan 12 and I know I overuse my knee. Driving a stick shift and playing a little pickleball. But these are good for my mental health after 9 weeks!! Love reading how everyone is doing and experiencing.

YES!!! That's exactly how it feels!!! Loved your description ~ that it feels painfully good!!!