Water Therapy?

[Lou-B]

Hi
I am 13 weeks of TKR. This is my first time posting...

Question: Anyone doing water therapy and has it been helpful??
My PT suggested I try it for building strength. I have PT 3 X's a week and this would be in addition to regular therapy.
I have trouble with stairs. Going down the steps are the hardest. Therapist thought it was because of weakened muscles. And I still have swelling and some pain.....

I am grateful for finding this site. I don't feel so alone now after reading all the posts...this site has really made a difference for me [and I am sure for many others!!] in understanding and dealing with my progress.

Continued Improvement and Good Health to everyone in the New Year!

 

[Judles]

Lou B,,,,,Welcome to Bonesmart, I'm on the hip side, But any water therapy is always beneficial,,,,so much easier on the joints while working on that ROM! Good luck to you & post your progress!

 

[Josephine]

Oh yes - there's been a couple of threads on here about pool therapy. Generally seems to get the thumbs up!

 

[NLVCa]

Welcome to Bonesmart Lou-B. I attend a hydrotherapy class at our local YMCA. Members of the class include others with joint replacements (hips & knees), folks who have suffered strokes and others with osteoarthritis.

The class begins with 20 minutes of cardio workout in the shallow end of the pool, using a short section of a foam roller (noodle) in each hand. There are a variety marching, jogging, scissors, leg lifting exercises. Next there is about 15 minutes of various walking exercises across the pool correcting our gate and working on balance.

Next is 20 minutes in the deep end supported by a life jacket or a full length noodle. We do more leg lifts, leg rotations and stretching exercises. We finish in the pool with some stretches in the shallow end. Many class members then spend about 10 minutes in the whirlpool at 104 degrees.

Although I haven't been going long, I enjoy the classes. Other longer term members swear by the class and hate to miss them. They run twice per week. I've been told that one should be able to get 10% more movement in the water because of the reduced weigh and impact on the joints.

Vern

 

[aussie]

Hi Lou B and welcome.

I haven't attended any set PT training but I am fortunate to have a pool in the backyard. I spend at the least 40 mins a day in there, and as the days go by I can spend longer each day. I sit on a noodle and cycle around like it's a bicycle. At first my leg went in a number of directions instead of around but now I zap around the pool no worries, I even challenge the grandkids to noodle races. I can also swim laps now, I asked the OS if I could use flippers he said not if I didn't need them just yet. I do some walking and lunges too but I'd prefer to chase the grandkids around, that's exercise too. My knee lets me know when I have done enough.

From what I have read on this forum, heated water seems to be the best. My pool isn't heated but I figure that just takes care of icing my knee at the same time BRRRRR.

Best wishes for your recovery.
Chris

 

[vernnn]

How are you doing now?
What type of strength do you need??

 

[richfriz]

Hi Lou-B

I did about 3 weeks of supervised Hydrotherapy after the op and it was wonderful

I now swim at least once a day and think it has done me a lot of good. Today it is 42 degrees C here today so swimming in my pool is great!

 

[Gretchendz]

Welcome Lou-B.

I had pool therapy after two separate TKRs.

It was wonderful. 95 degree F pool. PT guiding me.

I had it right before regular PT to loosen me up for the grand torture. The great thing is if the visits are back-to-back, they bill it as one visit to my insurance company (I have a limited number of visits per year.) It's worth asking about if your insurance limits visits.

At first it feels too easy, but you are working more than you realize because of the water resistance. The first time you get out after a session you'll probably say "Wow! How can I be so tired?"

The one I go to has a wave machine so they gradually increase the force you are walking against.

I then taught the exercises to my sister who had BTKR a year before me but had no PT--she does them when she swims.

 

[Lou-B]

Hi
Thanks for all your replies.

I had my first pool therapy yesterday. It was wonderful and yes the pool was heated...... I didn't use any noodles or floatation devices; walked the length of pool forward, backward and side to side. Then did my exercises in the water. Felt really good after.

I believe I have muscle weakness from not using my knee properly for so long; pre-surgery I didn't exercise my legs much. Very limited walking.

I guess joining the Y or similar program is a positive option when my PT runs out. I will have my "evaluation" this coming week. My fear is they will discharge me........

Thank again.......and All the Best ~

 

[vernnn]

I am at 11 weeks and used the pool a couple days ago at the urging of my PT son.

I will definetly use it more often. Walking as fast as you can forward, backward and sideways in 3 to 4 1/2 feet of water will do you a lot of good. Push yourself and you will increase you mobility a lot.

If you can bend a least 115 degrees stairs should be no problem with reasonable strength. Set your goals high enough, push yourself and you will get there.
Today I biked 5.5 miles and tomorrow I will golf 18 holes (for the first time) with a cart.

I did push myself thru out therapy. Now I do therapy on my own.