1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

I had TKR 12 weeks ago Dr waited no manipulation

Posted by rleena @rleena, Oct 15, 2024

Hi my TKR was 12weeks ago, for 12 weeks I went to PT just 2 x a week. But did my exercises between days. My problem now is I didn’t pay attention to the fact that PT never changed in my workouts , I was doing same thing since the first week, I mentioned my knee is more in pain each week and she added heat before I stated to work out. I didn’t know what questions to ask so I let her do her professional as she is suppose to be and followed what she showed me , I gained more pain each week and I was dumb founded on why so I saw my Dr and he said I was a slow healer and to keep moving it .i didn’t like his answer, this was @ 8 weeks now I went back to Dr last week and he said we need to start manipulation.. isn’t this a little too late ? I feel ignored and left out in the rain as both knowledgeable people performed lousy service on me and I am lost on what to do, except now go through manipulation and hoping the best turn out, but I feel if all my workouts didn’t help how will this ..has anyone had this problem ? I do not want another surgery it was horrible experience and healing

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Feb 23 8:28am
In reply to @loriesco "@grandmabv I see what I wrote was confusing. Medicare does not pay for MFR (myofascial tissue..." + (show)
@loriesco

@grandmabv I see what I wrote was confusing. Medicare does not pay for MFR (myofascial tissue release unless the problem is due to damage originating from the spine) You can read more about it here. It seems that there is a 10 - 15 minute allowance for manual manipulation as part of Physical Therapy but again, it has to meet the requirements. https://resonancemyofascialrelease.com/is-myofascial-release-therapy-covered-by-medicare/
on top of that, you have to find someone who can do it and accepts insurance!
I am concerned that you have swelling and are tight. I don't think you should have the swelling. I'd like to suggest you see your surgeon sooner, rather than later. You shouldn't have the swelling. It also seems like you should be in PT TWICE a week. I know my PT recommends that for rehab after surgery until the muscles are strengthened. I have known NO ONE EVER who had to wait 1 - 2 years for their knees to be better. Its pretty routine and you shouldn't be feeling stiff for six months. You should have it in the rearview mirror in a year. My neighbor had BOTH knees done at 83 and was mowing the lawn 6 weeks later!!! Crazy!
Return to your surgeon for post surgery follow ups. I had those at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year. There is only one person I knew who had stiffness, pain and swelling such that she couldn't cope with it. This is not entirely unusual and there is a treatment where they put you to sleep and then bend the knee and get it moving. She was better after that work was done. We do all heal at different rates, but its the swelling that concerns me. You sound like you are doing all the right things. looked up the procedure my friend had and its more common than I thought, so I hope you will check into MUA:
"A manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) is a non-invasive procedure that can help restore knee movement after surgery. During the procedure, you are put to sleep while your doctor gently bends and straightens your knee.
What it does
Breaks up scar tissue or adhesions that limit movement
Reduces pain and stiffness
When it's done
Sometimes performed after a total knee replacement if the knee becomes stiff
After surgery
You should follow your doctor's advice for the best chance of a full recovery
Avoid bending your knee in an uncontrolled way
Don't sleep with a pillow under your knee
Keep your knee as straight as possible while sleeping
Other tips
Use commercial breaks to help gain the bend in your knee
Sit in a chair that allows you to slide forward while keeping your feet firmly planted on the floor
Bend your knee as far as you can on your own"
Good luck!

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Thanks again Lorie, good stuff. One thing I do as a side sleeper, use a firm pillow between your knees. This is just a good practice for anyone as it keeps your hips and spine in a normal position, or close to it.

Joe

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1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | Feb 23 9:20am
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Thanks again Lorie, good stuff. One thing I do as a side sleeper, use a firm..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Thanks again Lorie, good stuff. One thing I do as a side sleeper, use a firm pillow between your knees. This is just a good practice for anyone as it keeps your hips and spine in a normal position, or close to it.

Joe

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@heyjoe415 sleeping with a pillow between my knees has been important since I had my hips replaced 12 years ago. I actually have been known to have two so I don’t have to struggle so much when I turn from side to side there’s one waiting for me, L O L.! I also sleep with my soft neck brace because I just can’t keep a good posture after cervical spine surgery, either!

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1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | Feb 23 10:39am

Not sure who has the problem, or if they do, but they can remove themselves from notifications. However, just wanted to say - if ANYONE has swelling after surgery who hasn't seen their surgeon for requisite post-op visits - take your temperature if you have swelling. It means you have an infection and should go to urgent care and not delay. It could mean an infection -- or a blood clot (especially if there is warmth at the site.) Know the signs and don't delay. Infections are more common if you were treated with cortisone, steroid, or hyaluronic injections close to your surgery. Please, have it checked asap. (general advice).

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1 reply
rleena | @rleena | Feb 24 8:35am
In reply to @loriesco "Not sure who has the problem, or if they do, but they can remove themselves from..." + (show)
@loriesco

Not sure who has the problem, or if they do, but they can remove themselves from notifications. However, just wanted to say - if ANYONE has swelling after surgery who hasn't seen their surgeon for requisite post-op visits - take your temperature if you have swelling. It means you have an infection and should go to urgent care and not delay. It could mean an infection -- or a blood clot (especially if there is warmth at the site.) Know the signs and don't delay. Infections are more common if you were treated with cortisone, steroid, or hyaluronic injections close to your surgery. Please, have it checked asap. (general advice).

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Stop the emails .. it’s over !
On Sun, Feb 23, 2025 at 12:09 PM Mayo Clinic Connect < nf+e8ade48c+39144906@n1.hubapplication.com> wrote:

> ## reply above this line ##
>
>
> Mayo Clinic Connect
> *Comment* posted by @loriesco
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/member/00-3089aa7d00487776403318/?utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_comment&utm_content=new_comment_intro_userlink&gt;
> on discussion "I had TKR 12 weeks ago Dr waited no manipulation ".
>
> Not sure who has the problem, or if they do, but they can remove
> themselves from notifications. However, just wanted to say - if ANYONE has
> swelling after surgery who hasn't seen their surgeon for requisite post-op
> visits - take your temperature if you have swelling. It means you have an
> infection and should go to urgent care and not delay. It could mean an
> infection -- or a blood clot (especially if there is warmth at the site.)
> Know the signs and don't delay. Infections are more common if you were
> treated with cortisone, steroid, or hyaluronic injections close to your
> surgery. Please, have it checked asap. (general advice).
> VIEW & REPLY
> < https://connect.mayoclinic.org/notification/39144906/?redirect_to=fc52561a3ce535fda13f%3Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fconnect.mayoclinic.org%2Fcomment%2F1243687%2F&utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_comment&gt;
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jlhare | @jlhare | 5 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "This is about other people too who come along and need help. Please unsubscribe. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/email/unsubscribe/discussion/49429/?token=3bbb63aa4ab02dc80df17ba85c9ccd58426515438b8c4614a60ff670cb78c460_670f9f2a3221b&utm_source=connect.mayoclinic.org&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=new_comment&utm_content=unsubscribe" + (show)

Yes I have a lot of physical medical issues with my lungs, a large abrasion on the right side of my face that started over 20 years ago and chronic back pain I do not have medical insurance I'm fifty years old and don't have a clue as to what to do I'm homeless I have a job 2/3 of the year and I don't even know why Im even telling you this there is nothing you or anyone for that matter that even cares or wants to help me good day good luck God bless and good buy

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 3 days ago
In reply to @thomasb1942 "I had both of my knees replaced last year. I started PT within 5 days 3..." + (show)
@thomasb1942

I had both of my knees replaced last year. I started PT within 5 days 3 times a week. Within a week I was on a bike. Each week my PT exercises increased always flaxing my knee. Maybe you should ask your Dr what he wanted PT to do for you. Scar tissue needs to be broken down. Maybe a sports medicine PT company you use.

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Sounds like you did things the right way. Yes the post-op exercises stay pretty much the same - they are just made more challenging as ROM and extension improve.

Well done Thomas. I hope you are happy with your TKR. I had both knees replaced in 2022 at age 67 and did all the suggested/prescribed exercises and PT. No more pain. None.

REPLY
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | 3 days ago
In reply to @loriesco "@heyjoe415 sleeping with a pillow between my knees has been important since I had my hips..." + (show)
@loriesco

@heyjoe415 sleeping with a pillow between my knees has been important since I had my hips replaced 12 years ago. I actually have been known to have two so I don’t have to struggle so much when I turn from side to side there’s one waiting for me, L O L.! I also sleep with my soft neck brace because I just can’t keep a good posture after cervical spine surgery, either!

Jump to this post

Just my opinion, a lot of people seem to take their cervical spine for granted until there is a problem.

Overall, we sit too much and hunch over too much. Just not good, certainly not for our collective spine.

I have a pillow that helps to support my cervical spine. Along with a firm pillow between my knees, this makes for a good night's sleep.

REPLY
1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | 3 days ago
In reply to @heyjoe415 "Just my opinion, a lot of people seem to take their cervical spine for granted until..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

Just my opinion, a lot of people seem to take their cervical spine for granted until there is a problem.

Overall, we sit too much and hunch over too much. Just not good, certainly not for our collective spine.

I have a pillow that helps to support my cervical spine. Along with a firm pillow between my knees, this makes for a good night's sleep.

Jump to this post

of course Joe! we can't pay attention to every possibility of our bodies. It would be great if a guide book came with the biomechanical machine we were given, right? 😉
On a sidebar, I just got a new "rocker" backless kneeling chair! I used to work long hours in my office chair in the 1980s and had one. INDESPENSIBLE!!! I TOTALLY forgot how great it was! A few years back, I tried to buy one, but they were hundreds of dollars. Now, they are popular again, and I purchased a Costway for $65 two weeks ago. If you haven't tried one you might want to check into it. TOTALLY allows me to sit properly and relieve spinal lumbar pressure. Great going into tax season needing to do my accounting! I love this thing. People can get varying models very cheap ($25) on FB marketplace. Important to get the right quality and model for height and weight. One can spend hundreds if they want. But I found a GREAT one for $65. https://www.costway.com/product/ergonomic-kneeling-chair-rocking-office-desk-stool-upright-posture.html?piid=9224700&fee=163&fep=22978&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=product&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAw5W-BhAhEiwApv4goP8GGyc_90zJ0vWnT7LsM8rOmhxN1LdusXFGWAsorAtUWnz_1edjGhoCW_cQAvD_BwE

REPLY
1 reply
loriesco | @loriesco | 3 days ago
In reply to @jlhare "Yes I have a lot of physical medical issues with my lungs, a large abrasion on..." + (show)
@jlhare

Yes I have a lot of physical medical issues with my lungs, a large abrasion on the right side of my face that started over 20 years ago and chronic back pain I do not have medical insurance I'm fifty years old and don't have a clue as to what to do I'm homeless I have a job 2/3 of the year and I don't even know why Im even telling you this there is nothing you or anyone for that matter that even cares or wants to help me good day good luck God bless and good buy

Jump to this post

Hi, I'm sorry @jlhare ! I can only suggest that you find the local Health and Human Services Agency, mission or church near you. Ask them to direct you to social services for your community. Or a community clinic. There, they will see you at no charge. You can also walk into a hospital and ask to be seen. Good luck and yes, god bless! There is medical care for everyone in this nation. It is called Medi-cal or Medicaid. It allows you to be seen by a doctor. Yes, we care. It is just hard right now because there is so much "need." You have to get what you "need."

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