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Scar tissue after knee replacement

Posted by leithlane @leithlane, Jan 31, 2017

I had knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago . Through PT I have been working on breaking up the scar tissue only for it to regrow by the time I get back to PT two days later. I have been massaging at home, using a hand held massager and roller. It is painful and swollen. I am getting very disheartened. Any suggestions as to what else I can do. Has anyone had laser treatments to break up scar tissue? Were they effective?

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spinner2 | @spinner2 | 2 days ago
In reply to @cheris "I experienced sciatica with both knee replacements. First knee it lasted about 4 months. This knee..." + (show)
@cheris

I experienced sciatica with both knee replacements. First knee it lasted about 4 months. This knee I am still dealing with it and it has been since Dec. I have been going to PT. Got an injection which helped a little. Doing lots of exercises. I find the thing that helps the pain the most is just walking. ROM was at 119 4 weeks out and is staying at that level. I can fully extent the knee. I would be doing great except for the sciatic pain. They seem to think it is a combination of SI joint inflamation and periformis also.

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I am hoping that among all that you are doing that you’re seeing a massage therapist for the SI/piriformis pain. My therapist does a great job of dealing with it. Also, prescribed exercises. I know everyone I’ve communicated with on this site does everything humanly possible to overcome the difficulties with TKR. I’m headed for my second manipulation. It is the first one after TKR revision and scar tissue removal. It never ends does it?🙏

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loriesco | @loriesco | 2 days ago
In reply to @deborahwindleriskas "I had surgery right knee complete replacement, May 2024. It is now Feb 3, 2025 and..." + (show)
@deborahwindleriskas

I had surgery right knee complete replacement, May 2024. It is now Feb 3, 2025 and I can barely take the pain. I walk but it hurts so bad, very limited. I am having surgery next week to remove scar tissue. My knee is numb to the touch but it feels like the bones are sore, muscles ache below and above my knee. I use a massager all day long. I was told stretching now will not help. I need to do the left knee but I am hesitant. I also broke my left ankle in three places. I cannot move forward until my right knee is stable. My quality of life is very bad. I am exhausted from this. My right knee throbs, burns, shooting pains, catches. I can only pray removing scar tissue will help.

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I use an MFR therapist who stretches my scar tissue on my neck. I’ve started my own self massage. I also get trigger point injections. I just started focusing on my scar tissue because exercising the muscles aren’t helping. I had a couple days where the pain got excruciating but this morning it’s way better and it turns out it was the bad weather coming in which exacerbated all my pain so don’t give up in the short term hang in there for the long-term!

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irenesara | @irenesara | 2 days ago

Are you having the original surgeon do the scar removal surgery? Are you having it done arthroscopically or will he/she be doing an open arthrotomy where they open back up the original scar to do a more thorough procedure? Will you be having a MARS MRI before surgery?

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irenesara | @irenesara | 2 days ago

Six weeks is still so early. It's normal to have swelling from the trauma of surgery being the culprit to account for your pain and stiffness. What is your ROM?

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deborahwindleriskas | @deborahwindleriskas | 1 day ago
In reply to @loriesco "I use an MFR therapist who stretches my scar tissue on my neck. I’ve started my..." + (show)
@loriesco

I use an MFR therapist who stretches my scar tissue on my neck. I’ve started my own self massage. I also get trigger point injections. I just started focusing on my scar tissue because exercising the muscles aren’t helping. I had a couple days where the pain got excruciating but this morning it’s way better and it turns out it was the bad weather coming in which exacerbated all my pain so don’t give up in the short term hang in there for the long-term!

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Doesn’t injections cause scar tissue?

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loriesco | @loriesco | 1 day ago
In reply to @deborahwindleriskas "Doesn’t injections cause scar tissue?" + (show)
@deborahwindleriskas

Doesn’t injections cause scar tissue?

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No. I suppose if you are prone to that kind of thing (fibroid build up), you inject in the same place, everyday for years on end.... but my fabulous doctors at UCSD don't think so. It promotes circulation and healing to the affected area. I've had blood tests in the same area for years on end, starting with injections daily at one spot for 5 years beginning in my 20s ...and yes, there is some scar tissue present at 68. But there is no comparison to having acupuncture or trigger points done on occasion and rotating muscles. So no. but good question!

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1 reply
mammalynne | @mammalynne | 1 day ago
In reply to @irenesara "Six weeks is still so early. It's normal to have swelling from the trauma of surgery..." + (show)
@irenesara

Six weeks is still so early. It's normal to have swelling from the trauma of surgery being the culprit to account for your pain and stiffness. What is your ROM?

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Six weeks is nothing. Have patience and do the exercises and massage. I’m now at 5 months and just now I’m starting to feel like I’m glad I did this. So much scar tissue and I believe I had a reaction to the chemicals in the glue. Finally feeling better and no pain but still tender.

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deborahwindleriskas | @deborahwindleriskas | 3 hours ago
In reply to @loriesco "No. I suppose if you are prone to that kind of thing (fibroid build up), you..." + (show)
@loriesco

No. I suppose if you are prone to that kind of thing (fibroid build up), you inject in the same place, everyday for years on end.... but my fabulous doctors at UCSD don't think so. It promotes circulation and healing to the affected area. I've had blood tests in the same area for years on end, starting with injections daily at one spot for 5 years beginning in my 20s ...and yes, there is some scar tissue present at 68. But there is no comparison to having acupuncture or trigger points done on occasion and rotating muscles. So no. but good question!

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Thank you for commenting✌️

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