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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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Thank you. It took about a year after my TKR surgery before the scar tissue started really limiting my range of motion. Others who have undergone the lysis procedure have reported that the scar tissue returned shortly after the surgery which has made me hesitant to undergo the procedure, but now I have tried everything else without any improvement and your results give me hope for a positive outcome!
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1 Reaction@killerbees I am glad you are going for a second opinion if your implant "is huge compared to my right knee", this just does not sound right to me. It seems more and more TKR patients have been fitted with a knee that is not the correct size. As I have said before on this forum, I had a custom made knee, Conformis, which is made to replicate your natural knee in size. I highly recommend that to anyone considering a knee replacement.
I hope you get some good input from the second opinion doctor. Please post what he/she says. There seem to be so many people with this type of problem it's good to know the causes.
JK
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1 ReactionHi everyone - I'm another one with a prolonged recovery. I'm coming up on one year and still cannot walk stairs properly, especially going down. I have to echo what others have said about more "passive" PT. I've had the greatest relief from a talented PT who does myfascial release, massage, and cupping. She has her own office with a heated bed and the whole experience is very nurturing, a far cry from a room full of machines! I ride my stationary bike, too. Still, pain and problems with endurance continue.
I'm getting my second opinion next month because surgeons won't provide them until one year out. So I will post in July, if not sooner, when I've heard with the famous surgeon in Boston has to say!
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2 ReactionsHi Babette, my surgery was in 10/18 and manual manipulation in 12/18. Stairs are difficult and goin down is much harder than going up, so I’m thinking it’s normal what your experiencing. Even while we are hiking terrain going up is easier than downhill. My mother has had both knees replaced 10 years ago + and she tells me what I’m experiencing, what your feeling is pretty normal. I am curious as to what your dr says in July and can’t wait to hear. I didn’t expect to be living like this at 55.
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1 Reaction@sdhkkjmz I can really relate to the shock of this disability at a young age. I consider myself young, having had this done when I was 60. My parents lived to be nearly 90 and my dad had 2 knee replacements. They were both fully active and functional in all ways until just before their respective deaths. I find it *very* hard to accept that if I live to my late 80s that so many things I love (skiing, hiking, etc.) are OVER.
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1 Reaction@babette I'm glad you are getting that 2nd opinion. At 4 months I kept telling Dr and PT's that something isn't right. My newer PT that is private has done wonders with myofascial release and massage for me too. At 6 months I was able to see a Dr that specializes in revisions and failed implants. He reviewed xrays and determined both (I had bilateral) knees were too large for my small frame. Good luck, I'll be waiting to see what your 2 nd opinion is.
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1 Reaction@babette Your PT sounds great, I wish my therapist was as good as that, he was totally perplexed about doing "gentle" or passive PT. I will be looking forward to hearing what comes out of your July appointment.
@doodles418 that's great that you now have a reason for your pain. Will you go ahead and have the revision? I know you must dread another surgery but I'm sure it will be worth it if you do.
JK
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1 ReactionI had a manipulation done & it worked for 2 days. Surgeon won’t do another one. Still doing therapy.
My therapist tried to do the release on me but it didn’t work. I wish your therapist was in Kansas City!
My surgeon has not given me the scope option. He keeps telling me it takes a year for the healing. I had a manipulation & the bands were gone for 2 days. They came back even tighter. Still doing therapy. I’m wanting to find out if acupuncture is affective.