1. < Joint Replacements

Setback 7 weeks after TKR

Posted by cindymattern @cindymattern, Nov 19, 2022

I was doing so well and my ROM was 110. I went to PT one day and the therapist gave me like 4 new exercises to do...stairs, several squatting exercises etc.. and I had a huge setback. My leg really hurt the next day to where I could barely walk and things were so tight. I literally cried at my next therapy appointment my leg hurt so bad. I did take a Tylenol 3 because the pain was so bad and that has subsided somewhat however now I still can barely bend my knee walking. I can ride my recumbent bike and do some things around the house. Anyone else experience this? Did they give me too much at one time?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Apr 16, 2023
In reply to @hiltnhd "The same thing happened to me and I had a strong conversation with my pt person...." + (show)
@hiltnhd

The same thing happened to me and I had a strong conversation with my pt person. If the pt is too hard and causing a setback, it’s too much. I want to be making progress, not a setback. Once he adjusted the intensity it was a lot better.
FYI my pain tolerance is pretty high and up until then my progress was great.

Jump to this post

Well said and spot on. Stairs and squats came last in my rehab. It's different for everyone. More important is ROM, flexion, and those boring exercises. Stairs and squats come last. Good advice.

REPLY
evon | @evon | Apr 16, 2023

I had similar experience. Intense physio sessions left me in worse shape than after surgery. The thing that was worst for me was the manual forced bending of the knee when taking a flexion measure. I’ve told them they’re no longer allowed to do it. I was referred to an exercise therapist by PT. She cut exercise repetitions right back and we started all over again and slowly increased hold and repetitions. I’m doing much better now. Hang in there. Sounds like too much, too soon. Some can handle it, some can’t and it’ll take a little longer.

REPLY
2 replies
jlservices | @jlservices | Feb 1 6:10pm
In reply to @heyjoe415 "FWIW, I think the PT gave you too much. Stairs and squats are the last things..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

FWIW, I think the PT gave you too much. Stairs and squats are the last things you get back after surgery. That can be two months, or longer depending on your progress. I'm late responding here, sorry. I had both knees replaced last year. Get better as your body allows.

Jump to this post

They lie it will always hirt week 8 still have not had a nights sleep in 8 weeks they have left me a cripple

REPLY
jlservices | @jlservices | Feb 1 6:14pm

Don’t ever consider this surgery it will leave you lame
Before the surgery I could stand for 4 hours now 10 min. At most and no nights sleep for 8 ….. weeks. Should have never had this done

REPLY
1 reply
kr1 | @kr1 | Feb 2 7:48am
In reply to @jlservices "Don’t ever consider this surgery it will leave you lame Before the surgery I could stand..." + (show)
@jlservices

Don’t ever consider this surgery it will leave you lame
Before the surgery I could stand for 4 hours now 10 min. At most and no nights sleep for 8 ….. weeks. Should have never had this done

Jump to this post

It’s been 8 months for me. I have not slept through the night since surgery. As far as standing and walking I can handle maybe 90 minutes before I have to sit down. I wonder if this is as good as it gets. Still have the tight band feeling and lots of burning

REPLY
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 3 12:53pm
In reply to @evon "I had similar experience. Intense physio sessions left me in worse shape than after surgery. The..." + (show)
@evon

I had similar experience. Intense physio sessions left me in worse shape than after surgery. The thing that was worst for me was the manual forced bending of the knee when taking a flexion measure. I’ve told them they’re no longer allowed to do it. I was referred to an exercise therapist by PT. She cut exercise repetitions right back and we started all over again and slowly increased hold and repetitions. I’m doing much better now. Hang in there. Sounds like too much, too soon. Some can handle it, some can’t and it’ll take a little longer.

Jump to this post

It's necessary to manually bend the knee to measure ROM progress. That said, a PT should not push a TKR patient way past the point of resistance and discomfort. Discomfort is NOT pain. Pain should not be a part of any rehab/pt program.

REPLY
upgirl2013 | @upgirl2013 | Apr 21 2:16pm
In reply to @johnbishop "@cindymattern - Thought you might find this video helpful. https://youtu.be/bkt5YsZJHD8" + (show)
@johnbishop

@cindymattern - Thought you might find this video helpful.

Jump to this post

Thank you for sharing! I have reviewed this video multiple times when I get discouraged. I am taking Extra Strength Tylenol for pain. I am day 20 and have three more days before I start outpatient PT. I am not motivated to do the exercises, even though I know I have to.
The pain is real and have to remember to breathe through each flexion movement.

REPLY
evon | @evon | Apr 22 8:59am
In reply to @evon "I had similar experience. Intense physio sessions left me in worse shape than after surgery. The..." + (show)
@evon

I had similar experience. Intense physio sessions left me in worse shape than after surgery. The thing that was worst for me was the manual forced bending of the knee when taking a flexion measure. I’ve told them they’re no longer allowed to do it. I was referred to an exercise therapist by PT. She cut exercise repetitions right back and we started all over again and slowly increased hold and repetitions. I’m doing much better now. Hang in there. Sounds like too much, too soon. Some can handle it, some can’t and it’ll take a little longer.

Jump to this post

U might be interested to know, since I wrote this, I’ve had second knee done at end October. That recovery was harder for a couple reasons but here we are, end April (a full year after I wrote this initial post), and most days I forget all about the surgeries and am doing well. Legs are wonderfully straight and much stronger. I still do stretching exercises once daily just because if I don’t knees tend to stiffen up. Am I glad i had them “done”? My gosh yes! They’re still improving with day-to-day life and surgeon that may be the case for 2 yrs post surgery. I was definitely slower to get range but slow and steady got me there. Living the exercise plan is essential

REPLY
danrukavina | @danrukavina | Apr 22 5:06pm
In reply to @cindymattern "I am icing several times a day, I use ice at night when I sleep as..." + (show)
@cindymattern

I am icing several times a day, I use ice at night when I sleep as well and change it about every 3 hours for new ice. I am probably guilty of not elevating as much as I should but I was doing amazing before the one PT session. ROM 115, walking without my cane, driving etc...Riding my recumbent bike at home and doing exercises as well. It wasn't until one PT session where she had me do several new exercises at one session. All my other therapists only introduce 1-2 new things with what I am currently doing. That day she had me do several new things that really did me in. I'm doing most of the exercises on the website you gave (thank you for sharing). I feel I was given to much at one time (you don't run 100 miles off the bat) and it caused me to go backwards instead of continuing forwards. I plan on talking to the therapist I have on Monday about this issue.

Jump to this post

I think your leg was probably not ready to do that many different squats. Next time ease into squats by using a ball and only go halfway down. Start with 10-20 reps.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.