kneesrus
graduate
Sorry I am getting on this case late. We just moved into a new clinic, TKR patients are coming in like crazy and I am leaving for the North Pole in 3 weeks.
I would like to see you if you could sit on a Ther ex ball, 65cm size and just rock back and forth. These joints are made to move and they will get sticky if they don't. The ligaments on the inside and outside of the knee need to keep their length otherwise the shorten and it will be difficult to obtain full extension and good flexion.
As far as strength ex to the leg, it is hard to keep up your strength because you are PWB and have pain. You cannot strengthen if you have pain. The body will always protect itself, this is why you have pain and you limp. You can do Straight leg raises which should not cause pain in your knee. This ex is not to improve your quad but to keep the hip flexors strong so it is easier to get into a car, bed, bath or whatever you need to pick your leg up.
I like sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth because it is more comfortable, and you can do it anywhere. You really only have to do it for 10 min a few times a day. The CPM people suggest 6hrs a day. No evidence on that method.
I feel you are lucky to have docs that are really addressing getting the bugs out. It is hard enough with a clean joint.
So, do some rocking to keep the ligaments loose and some straight leg raises to keep your hip flexors strong and you will be ahead of the game.
Sorry for the delay in responding,
David
I would like to see you if you could sit on a Ther ex ball, 65cm size and just rock back and forth. These joints are made to move and they will get sticky if they don't. The ligaments on the inside and outside of the knee need to keep their length otherwise the shorten and it will be difficult to obtain full extension and good flexion.
As far as strength ex to the leg, it is hard to keep up your strength because you are PWB and have pain. You cannot strengthen if you have pain. The body will always protect itself, this is why you have pain and you limp. You can do Straight leg raises which should not cause pain in your knee. This ex is not to improve your quad but to keep the hip flexors strong so it is easier to get into a car, bed, bath or whatever you need to pick your leg up.
I like sitting on the ball and rocking back and forth because it is more comfortable, and you can do it anywhere. You really only have to do it for 10 min a few times a day. The CPM people suggest 6hrs a day. No evidence on that method.
I feel you are lucky to have docs that are really addressing getting the bugs out. It is hard enough with a clean joint.
So, do some rocking to keep the ligaments loose and some straight leg raises to keep your hip flexors strong and you will be ahead of the game.
Sorry for the delay in responding,
David
United States
The 2.5 hr drive back up to the mountains wasn't too bad. I just laid across the back seat with a pillow between my knees. Note to self for the next surgery; bring a blanket! The nurses loaded me up with Dilaudid & Compazine (anti-nausea) & increased the concentration of the Ropivicaine infusing in my Femoral Block. I'm supposed to pull out the Femoral Block sometime today...I think I shall wait until 11:59pm...that's still today, right? 
BUT it ended up being the best thing ever...I was way too weak & sick to worry about getting up. I asked to have it pulled on the 1st post op day & I just had to wait for PT to clear me getting up & down to go to the bathroom. They cleared me, the catheter was pulled and all was right with the world! :D 
Hopefully all goes well! I do know there are other resources available to me, I just hope not to have to use them!
