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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After partial knee replacement I have do e home therapy , camp machine , physical therapy 3 times a week but movement is very limited doctor says it is scar tissue and wants to do knee manipulation will this help

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@kneeproblem

After partial knee replacement I have do e home therapy , camp machine , physical therapy 3 times a week but movement is very limited doctor says it is scar tissue and wants to do knee manipulation will this help

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Hello @kneeproblem, welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with a discussion titled, "Scar tissue after knee replacement." I did this so you could meet the many members already discussing scar tissue after knee replacements and how they have coped with and rehabbed it.

@kneeproblem, I had my right knee replaced in 2006 and had issues with aggressive scar tissue formation as well. I ended up having two different knee manipulations to break the scar tissue loose. It was a long, hard road for me, but ultimately I did end up having 0-105 degree range-of-motion. The manipulations were tough, but I do believe in the end they helped me get over the hump.

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After TKR I did all the pt including water therapy. My knee swelled when exercising in water. I reached 121 but very painful. Now 5 years laterknee still swollen so I ignore it and continue to do my daily biking, golf , gardening. Will never do another TKR if I can help it. That is why I paid the extra cost for stem cells.

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Well I had Stem Cells and PRP in March. Now must face knee surgery - not scared of it - Just the After surgery, no v-ball for 3 months, cannot go in ocean for 6 weeks after.
With Cells and PRP do feel move comfort and balance and body seems more like itself pre 2015. But will now see 2 surgeons and see what they say?
I'll say it again, if u r contemplating Stem cells just try PRP alone First. $500. Used to b free w medicare = now $500!

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Platelet rich plasma. I was all ready to do it until my doctor saw my x-rays. It’s supposed to help build cartilage. My insurance didn’t cover it.

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@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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Thank you, @JustinMcClanahan , I have had a cortisone shot since and going for possibly another tomorrow, possible 3rd clean out is in the near future. I am unfortunately prone to scar tissue.

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@rmeddings

I'm afraid a second opinion will only lead to the same results for me also. As my joints look perfect on X-ray. I suppose I just keep hanging on to the hope that there is someone out there that will have the knowledge to help me. As I sit and write this at 4:00 am , I wonder if my Dr's even have any idea, or really believe what an ordeal this has been , or what it's like to go to bed each night, and wake each morning, with the same old pain !!
I really hate that anyone else is going thru this, but at he same time, it strengths me know that there is someone else in the world that does understand my pain.. I have the gabapentin route, I was on Percocet for nine months ( as you say it only dulls the pain) I have tried nerve blocks,also. All to to avail..
I'm still holding on to the hope that someday this nightmare will end for me, and all of you ,who are going thru this.

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I am eight months post-TKR. Scar tissue prevents movement more than 95 degrees. I can do aggressive exercise and get it to 112 but that only lasts for minutes. Swelling and scar tissue have been a problem since day one. I am going in for genicular block on Monday. Coincidentally, my sister in law had this procedure done last week and she claims it took her pain away (she has been in a wheelchair most of the time). CBD oil and Voltaren gel both seem to help the pain.

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@rmeddings

I'm afraid a second opinion will only lead to the same results for me also. As my joints look perfect on X-ray. I suppose I just keep hanging on to the hope that there is someone out there that will have the knowledge to help me. As I sit and write this at 4:00 am , I wonder if my Dr's even have any idea, or really believe what an ordeal this has been , or what it's like to go to bed each night, and wake each morning, with the same old pain !!
I really hate that anyone else is going thru this, but at he same time, it strengths me know that there is someone else in the world that does understand my pain.. I have the gabapentin route, I was on Percocet for nine months ( as you say it only dulls the pain) I have tried nerve blocks,also. All to to avail..
I'm still holding on to the hope that someday this nightmare will end for me, and all of you ,who are going thru this.

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I read your comment with interest. Both of my knees are bad and I am afraid of the TKR. I hope to qualify for the stem cell procedure. Right now I have full movement of both knees, but of course stairs and walking are painful. I would like to know more about your sisters recovery. Thank you

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@rmeddings

I'm afraid a second opinion will only lead to the same results for me also. As my joints look perfect on X-ray. I suppose I just keep hanging on to the hope that there is someone out there that will have the knowledge to help me. As I sit and write this at 4:00 am , I wonder if my Dr's even have any idea, or really believe what an ordeal this has been , or what it's like to go to bed each night, and wake each morning, with the same old pain !!
I really hate that anyone else is going thru this, but at he same time, it strengths me know that there is someone else in the world that does understand my pain.. I have the gabapentin route, I was on Percocet for nine months ( as you say it only dulls the pain) I have tried nerve blocks,also. All to to avail..
I'm still holding on to the hope that someday this nightmare will end for me, and all of you ,who are going thru this.

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Hi I will check out those remedies, still amazes me how one person’s body heals quickly and the other one takes forever

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