I had the arthroscopic lysis done 1.5 weeks ago. Despite a ton of research, I feel like I was unprepared for the recovery. So I’ll let you know how my last week and a half has been.

Prior to the surgery, I was at 105 degrees flexion. The surgery was on Wednesday afternoon and the surgeon got me to 130 flexion. First PT was Thursday at noon. On my own, i could only get my flexion to 105. The PT therapist forced my leg to 130. I was given the following “homework”.

10 mins stationary Bike
10 mins supine leg pull
10 mins prone leg pull
10 mins extensionator
20 mins ICE
1 hour elevated rest
REPEAT 5 times
Walk no more than .25 miles in house only

That’s one hour of stretching, one hour rest for a minimum of 10 hours a day.

Next session was Friday afternoon and I got to 115 on my own pulling - and the therapist forced it to 130. Weekend I was in my own with the homework.

The next Monday, I had PT early in the AM and got to 118 on my own pulling and the therapist forced to 130. I was told then that- since there was progress over the weekend (ie I could move it more on my own - even forced) and the therapist could still get to 130 - I had a decent shot at remolding the scar tissue.

I have PT three times a week and the homework is now

10 mins stationary Bike or eliptical (alternate)
10 mins supine leg pull
10 mins prone leg pull
10 quad sets
20 short arcs
10 mins extensionator
20 mins ICE
30 mins rest
20 mins heat
REPEAT 5 times
Walk no more than .25 miles in house only

The home PT is very painful. It’s hard to pull on your leg for 30 mins every other hour all day long and I am in tears doing it. It hurts to bend and walk any right now and I’m wondering if this was the right answer.

However - I can bend it more for sure and if I’m being honest with myself, the pain is probably surgical mostly since I’m only 1.5 weeks out and will probably ultimately pass. Still, forcing movement like this and this much PT is very very hard.

Good Luck

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