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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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golfshrink | @golfshrink | Apr 24, 2018
In reply to @golfshrink "I’m 53 and had a double total knee replacement 3 1/2 months ago. I knew it..." + (show)
@golfshrink

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.

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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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exhausted4ever | @exhausted4ever | Apr 29, 2018

This is very similar to my Father’s experience! He is now 4yrs post op TKR and continues to struggle daily with pain and generalized discomfort. The only relief he gets is thru movement- walking and exercise bike however one cannot be doing this 24hrs a day! Scarring has been said to be his issue as well. Early on he went thru the manipulation efforts and consistent PT, temp treatments etc. We have consulted several doctors in the last 4yrs and all indicate that nothing can be done as his body will continue producing this scar tissue and he must just get used to living this way. They offer no alternatives or possibilities. Is this the message all are getting? It just sounds so unreasonable from Medical professionals in this day and age! Anyone have any suggestions or success elsewhere? My father is now 73 and was a marathon runner - ran 24 NYC marathons so certainly no stranger to pain, dedication and sacrifice. Hard to see him in this situation - he is a prisoner to his knee - with no pathway for hope! 🙁

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rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Apr 29, 2018

So sorry to hear your dads problem this scar tissue is really a problem for many, if scar tissue grows back even after second manipulation or did they recommend arthroscopic surgery ?

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exhausted4ever | @exhausted4ever | Apr 30, 2018

Unfortunately, this was not recommended. Both respected world renound specialists i had him see indicated very adamantly to “not allow anyone else to touch. He must learn to live this way.” However, I am concerned as of recent that this situation is now beginning to impact his cardiovascular health. Has anyone seen a CV component while going thru these stressful episodes of trying to force or “unstick” the scar tissue?

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trecie68 | @trecie68 | May 10, 2018

Hi, I had TKR 2years ago. Since then 2 clean ups of scar tissue and then had to get my bleeder closed up. I am still suffering from pain,swelling, stiffness and hot to the touch...again. Needless to say I am getting frustrated.
Anyone else in similar situations, any suggestions?
Thank you.

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2 replies
Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | May 10, 2018
In reply to @trecie68 "Hi, I had TKR 2years ago. Since then 2 clean ups of scar tissue and then..." + (show)
@trecie68

Hi, I had TKR 2years ago. Since then 2 clean ups of scar tissue and then had to get my bleeder closed up. I am still suffering from pain,swelling, stiffness and hot to the touch...again. Needless to say I am getting frustrated.
Anyone else in similar situations, any suggestions?
Thank you.

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Hello @trecie68, and welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Scar tissue after knee replacement." I moved your discussion here so you could meet the many members discussing knee replacements and the issues that arose after the surgery and how some of the other members are coping with it. If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you will be brought to the new discussion and can read through the previous posts from members. Feel free to jump in where you can.

@trecie68, I also had issues with scar tissue. I had to have two manipulations after my initial replacement surgery. It took me close to two years to find my new normal which ended up being 0-110 ROM and to become nearly pain free. It can get better and we all heal at different rates. The hot to touch could be a sign you may want to get it looked at. Have you discussed this with your medical provider?

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paulagrec | @paulagrec | May 15, 2018
In reply to @amberpep "Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but..." + (show)
@amberpep

Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but by the time I hit the 1 year mark, my surgeon went in - arthroscopically - and cleaned it up. But, it never was right, and in another year I had to have a revision - a totally new replacement. Since then, my knee could not be any better. I don't know why this happens to some and not to others ... but after several other options had been tried, including the arthroscopic surgery, I opted to just do the revision .... I'm glad I did.
abby

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I am curious what brand knee you had the first time and if the revision was done using the same knee or different one. I am 13 months out with my Smith & Nephew knee and my range of motion has gone down to under 110. At 3 months I had 120. Saw surgeon the other day, he claims I'm fine, but didn't offer to do a MRI to check for scar tissue. Suggests I just walk and bike and go about life and lower my expectations. Hmmmm..... Not sure how to handle that. Any advise?

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paulagrec | @paulagrec | May 15, 2018
In reply to @amberpep "Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but..." + (show)
@amberpep

Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but by the time I hit the 1 year mark, my surgeon went in - arthroscopically - and cleaned it up. But, it never was right, and in another year I had to have a revision - a totally new replacement. Since then, my knee could not be any better. I don't know why this happens to some and not to others ... but after several other options had been tried, including the arthroscopic surgery, I opted to just do the revision .... I'm glad I did.
abby

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Sounds like you had luck with stem cell therapy. Can you tell me more about that? Painful procedure? How many procedures? I don't believe insurance covers it. What cost is incurred?

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win sturgeon | @cobweb | May 15, 2018
In reply to @amberpep "Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but..." + (show)
@amberpep

Hi there .... yes, I've had scar tissue develop also. It developed slowly over time, but by the time I hit the 1 year mark, my surgeon went in - arthroscopically - and cleaned it up. But, it never was right, and in another year I had to have a revision - a totally new replacement. Since then, my knee could not be any better. I don't know why this happens to some and not to others ... but after several other options had been tried, including the arthroscopic surgery, I opted to just do the revision .... I'm glad I did.
abby

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my stem cell procedure for the knee was $7000, and for the back was $1000. I have had a follow up procedure to keep the arthritis at bay for the knee. No pain and had a cane to get home the first day and after that, watched TV and read for the first 2 weeks . That was it. The back was easier. Told not to mow the lawn or ride a bike. No pain. Do my stretching every day. Sure beats surgery.
Problem i see is a lot of unqualified people trying to do it wth no training. Its like the wild west out there. Do your homework.

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gapam | @gapam | May 30, 2018
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @leithlane, welcome to Connect. This is an experience very close to my own. I had..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @leithlane, welcome to Connect.

This is an experience very close to my own. I had my right knee replaced in 2006. I also had aggressive scar tissue immediately after my knee replacement. Ultimately, I had to have two post-surgery knee manipulations where they put me back under and broke the scar tissue up by bending my knee manually. Even after those two manipulations I still had issues with scar tissue. It took almost a full year and a half until I ended up breaking the scar tissue loose on my own when I jumped and landed awkwardly. Although it may be frustrating, sticking with your PT is a must.

I would like to invite @mnpat, @basa, @winning, @joanney, @emme, @kerri123, @gailfaith, @cautiousoptimism, @cheris, @ronnie3716, and @amberpep, to this discussion as they have all had knee replacements and may be able to provide some thoughts on their experiences with scar tissue after surgery.

@leithlane, have you heard of or tried a brace with hand cranks on it that you use to help with straightening and bending your knee? What does your therapist/surgeon say about your scar tissue problems?

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I had a TKR in January and am having a very difficult recover. Lots of scar tissue. Limited bend. Very frustrated. But to your question about pain behind the knee -yes I do have that off and on especially when I try to turn the wheel on my upright bicycle for a period of time. And my discomfort is on the outside of the knee as well. Crazy tightness in the knee - yes. My orthopedic surgeon is stymied and having me get an MRI on my back to see if there is a correlation. No answers here yet but I am keeping up with exercise hoping for a miracle.

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