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Scar tissue after knee replacement
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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I think getting a second opinion is a great idea. Do you have specific names and reputations of other surgeons? Where I live (Boston) there are plenty that specialize in "revisions." Try not to worry about maybes. I think I know how you feel; I'm getting a second opinion from another PT today myself.
I am in Boston right now but live in California, I have a great friend that lives here and I visit her every fall. She actually lives on Martha’s Vineyard but we have Boston friends. Would you be willing to share your doctors name? He may be a resource of a similar doctor in my area. It is not out of the question for me to consider seeking him for a second opinion. Thank you so much.
I got ahead of myself when I read your reply. I see now you indicated a PT not a doctor. Needed another cup of coffe I guess 😊
If you're in Boston and have time for a second opinion here, go to The New England Baptist hospital! (I did not and I regret it and will go there if I switch doctors or have my other knee done). They are the gold standard for orthopedic care, moreso than even MassGeneral or the Brigham ... my surgeon is Dr. Andrew Ayers in Peabody, but I can't stand Salem Hospital so won't have any more surgeries by him.
Quad strength is important. Have you access to any kind of a stationary bike? I finally brought one for home from amazon. It takes awhile to make full rotation but eventually after warming up I can go all the way. I also have a medicine ball and I lay on my back, put heels on ball and draw legs to chest for as long as I decide, both good for quads and are possible with our limitations.
I was also told to always step down with bad leg and up with good leg, but you might have figured that through the pain if you do the opposite . Have you sought a revision doctor. Have you been told your issue is scar tissue.
I live in Lacey Washington and I go the Olympia Orthopedic for my knees. Had my carpel tunnel done there too. Suppose to get a injection in my right knee of a series of three shots due to my arthritis in right knee now. Not interested in a right knee replacement at this time. Thanks.
Good luck with your Euflexxa shots. Did not work for me but I know two people who say it changed their lives.
What are the euflexxa shots
I assume those are the shots you are getting. It is a hyaluronanic acid. It is a shot given in three doses. You might be getting it under another name.
This could be a blessing for you, forcing you to seek out other opinions. I so wish I had gotten a second or third opinion on a different surgery. Instead I went to a local general surgeon in a small town. What was I thinking? Not much. I didn't realize how important it was to research reviews and reputation when picking a surgeon. Sometimes that means getting on a waiting list. For me after my botched surgery I found a real expert, who specializes in one procedure to get me back together right. He was a 2 1/2 hour drive away. The hospital at this distance required my husband to get a hotel room, but so worth it!
Also good for you for trusting your instincts. I have learned how important that is.