Poor range of motion after TKR and manipulation: What to do?

Posted by ffpm1381 @ffpm1381, Mar 25, 2023

I had a TKR 3months ago and had manual manipulation 4 days ago. My ROM was great while on the nerve block but as soon as that wore off my ROM went from 110 to 70 degrees. I do have a lot of pain in the quadricep and the muscle are very tight. I am taking a muscle relaxer with no relief. I am thinking of going for a second opinion. I had a comformis knee replacement and I am going to PT 5 days a week without much success . Does anyone have any recommendations or have had the same problem.

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@cathymw

7 weeks post-op, I can get to 120s & 0 now at therapy, after 5 mg oxycodone 1 hour before and 2 therapists working on me, 3x/wk. I do my therapy at home as best as I can too.

But every day is like starting over. Terribly tight, slow to warm up. Still taking Motrin and Tylenol to move. Very tight to bend. Anterior pain that’s moderate with walking. I feel I am walking crooked and now my back is starting to be sore. I am to do the other knee but am reluctant until I see some light at the end of this first one.

Am I going through normal tightness or is this an issue with size?

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I don’t think so when I had wrong size I could not gain any flexion …. I was stuck at 65 -70…with revision I am sore and stiff all the time like I said I just got tested to see if my body rejecting it …. Just trying to rule out things …. I was going to gym 5 days a week had to back off my other knee is getting bad …

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It's been almost 2 years for me....knee still gets really sore and stiff. I do have a ROM of 115 or thereabouts and my flexion is like 1 but....I have found if I exercise more it really bothers me. I do ride a bike a few miles a day and I do leg lifts to strengthen my hamstring and thigh muscles. It's a process for sure. Have had a genicular nerve block (insurance didn't cover), CT scan, no infection anyplace or fluid...it's a major surgery and it takes some people way longer and I feel I am one of those people sadly.

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@cindymattern

It's been almost 2 years for me....knee still gets really sore and stiff. I do have a ROM of 115 or thereabouts and my flexion is like 1 but....I have found if I exercise more it really bothers me. I do ride a bike a few miles a day and I do leg lifts to strengthen my hamstring and thigh muscles. It's a process for sure. Have had a genicular nerve block (insurance didn't cover), CT scan, no infection anyplace or fluid...it's a major surgery and it takes some people way longer and I feel I am one of those people sadly.

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Hi Cindy sorry to hear you are still hurting we had tkr around same time …. I am with you except I only got to 100 flexion …I went Saturday for Ltt blood test check for metal allergy see if that is cause if irritation… so we will see …..good luck to you me still looking for answers lol …

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Hi.
I was reading some of the history of this chat and someone mentioned myofascial release. Don't know if there was any follow-up on that might be worth trying. I learned to teach Yin Yoga. It is a methodology that allows the body's fascia to slowly open up by first supporting the active range of motion and then allowing it to increase by removing supporting structures. It is practiced from anywhere from two to 30 minutes for each pose. You start out with supports and slowly remove them as the body opens up (fascia release). It is very gentle but does demand mental discipline.

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My doctor just suggested water therapy for me. I haven’t had my appt yet but may be worth a try.

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@ralaske

My doctor just suggested water therapy for me. I haven’t had my appt yet but may be worth a try.

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Both my pt and doctor have suggested water therapy. I will be starting my therapy soon.

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