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Scar tissue after knee replacement
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Oct 10 8:31am | Replies (1550)Comment receiving replies
I’m 53 and had a double total knee replacement 3 1/2 months ago. I knew it was going to be hard work, but it’s been an agonizing winter. My Dr opted to do an early manipulation when I could only get 90 degree flex.
The manipulation allowed me to get to 125 degrees, but progressively my flex lessened even though I did daily, brutal PT. After being treated like a failure by my surgeon and enduring screaming crying PT sessions, I opted to go with a gentler approach. I’m praying I’m making the right decision as everyone has scared the crap out of me that I have a limited time before scar tissue can’t be moved.
I see a massage therapist twice a week who specializes in lymphatic drainage and a PT person who doesn’t force my knees to bend, but has me use gravity to improve flex and strength. I also use theCMS machine even though studies say they don’t help.
Ok- that was a long winded intro to ask if anyone has ever used the pulsating massagers that supposedly can break up scar tissue . Thinking about getting one, but seems to good to be true.
Replies to "I’m 53 and had a double total knee replacement 3 1/2 months ago. I knew it..."
Hi it seems that the scar tissue is the issue so my PT just keeps massaging the scar tissue for 30 minutes and asked me to do 30 minutes each day between visits I believe it’s helping I have 3 days feeling better than one day regression but he says that’s normal
I think the scar tissue is the issue. the muscles around the knee start to ache because they haven’t been used in the same way as before the surgery, We are also different in our recovery and how much scar tissue we produce some people go through the PT pain
others say no take a gentler approach, after 10months I am going the gentle and patient route.
Hi I am post TKR. 18 months ago and one year ago. I found massaging the knee at night with Vitamin E oil really helped. Scars on knees very small. Also I followed a suggestion from a friend. I have a glider/rocker. Sitting in the chair gently gliding it back and forth can slowly stretch your knee. Start out slow but by positioning your knee and how much bend you want really works. You can be as gentle or as aggressive as you want. Sounds simple but it really works. Also had deep tissue massage from PT>
It’s definitely all about the scar tissue! Weekly I go to a massage person that uses a suction instrument and massage to break it up. I also bought a massager. I use it at night when I can’t sleep
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I am very interested in hearing how you ROM is going using this kinder, gentler PT. I told my pysical therapist that I do not want him to hurt me when he stetches me. Mainly because he doesn't stop as soon as I say enough. So now he has me pushing myself and he watches. At home I use gravity to bend and stretch. I haven't been to PT since Friday, (go back tomorrow) and my bend and stretch is the same when I get up and when I go to bed. When PT was forcing everything by the time I went to bed I couldn't bend or straighten my knee for the swelling. Please post back how it is going for you.