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Knee ROM post TKR

Posted by jona9796 @jona9796, May 17, 2017

Many individuals I have observed have significant limitation in getting their ROM back after a knee replacement, and the process is quite painful too. Is there any research(surgical and with skilled PT) that can help with restoration of a functional AROM

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | May 18, 2017

Hello @jona9796, and welcome to Connect.

I have some personal experience with this exact issue. I had my right knee replaced in 2006 when I was 19. I have a genetic bleeding disorder that caused lots of internal trauma to my right knee. I developed end-stage arthritis by the time I was 15 or 16.

I did have a heck of a time getting ROM back after my replacement. I had to have two manipulations post-replacement because my scar tissue growth was so aggressive. My initial ROM was limited even after the two manipulations. However, I popped it loose on my own playing catch with a football one afternoon. Ever since, my ROM has been 0-110 degrees.

I should mention that my surgeon mentioned I had some of the most aggressive scar tissue growth that he had ever seen in his history. Also, I probably was not strict enough with my PT. The pain was bad, but I also have a bleeding disorder where my blood does not clot on its own so the swelling I experienced was more intense than most patients. In my personal experience, I know many people who have had his or her knee replaced, and all of them had quick recoveries with more ROM than I currently have.

Today, 11 years later, my knee is still in the correct placement and is in no need of maintenance. I cycle, golf, and I weight-lift (including three days of legs) 5-6 times week. Having my knee done was the right decision, even though my road to recovery was hard and it took longer than most.

I would like to also invite @beatricefay, @dawn_giacabazi, @mnpat, @basa, @winning, @joanney, @emme, @kerri123, @gailfaith, @cautiousoptimism, @cheris, @ronnie3716, and @amberpep to give their thoughts on the PT process after knee replacement.

@jona9796, are you scheduled for a total knee replacement?

REPLY
1 reply
Dawn, Alumni Mentor | @dawn_giacabazi | May 18, 2017
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @jona9796, and welcome to Connect. I have some personal experience with this exact issue. I..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @jona9796, and welcome to Connect.

I have some personal experience with this exact issue. I had my right knee replaced in 2006 when I was 19. I have a genetic bleeding disorder that caused lots of internal trauma to my right knee. I developed end-stage arthritis by the time I was 15 or 16.

I did have a heck of a time getting ROM back after my replacement. I had to have two manipulations post-replacement because my scar tissue growth was so aggressive. My initial ROM was limited even after the two manipulations. However, I popped it loose on my own playing catch with a football one afternoon. Ever since, my ROM has been 0-110 degrees.

I should mention that my surgeon mentioned I had some of the most aggressive scar tissue growth that he had ever seen in his history. Also, I probably was not strict enough with my PT. The pain was bad, but I also have a bleeding disorder where my blood does not clot on its own so the swelling I experienced was more intense than most patients. In my personal experience, I know many people who have had his or her knee replaced, and all of them had quick recoveries with more ROM than I currently have.

Today, 11 years later, my knee is still in the correct placement and is in no need of maintenance. I cycle, golf, and I weight-lift (including three days of legs) 5-6 times week. Having my knee done was the right decision, even though my road to recovery was hard and it took longer than most.

I would like to also invite @beatricefay, @dawn_giacabazi, @mnpat, @basa, @winning, @joanney, @emme, @kerri123, @gailfaith, @cautiousoptimism, @cheris, @ronnie3716, and @amberpep to give their thoughts on the PT process after knee replacement.

@jona9796, are you scheduled for a total knee replacement?

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Hi @jona9796
My experience is a little different as I fell off a treadmill and injured my knee. I tore my meniscus and ACL and broke a chunk of bone off my thigh. Took me about 8 weeks to fully regain full range of motion.

Best advice I can give: listen to your body and be patient!!!

Everyone heals at a different rate. I pray you have a speedy recovery!

Blessings
Dawn

REPLY
mickie75 | @mickie75 | Jul 10, 2018

Nine months after a TKR and a manipulation to break up the scar tissue and adhesions; still have swelling, knee is warm to touch, and pain and stiffness, numbness. I’ve been in PT for nine months and finallly stopped last week. It wasn’t helping me and it was causing more pain. I have scar tissu; and I know that it limits my range of motion and causes pain. All the doctors say is it takes a year to recover. My surgeon turned out to be a jerk and I didn’t trust him to do the manipulation. Went to another surgeon and he did the manipulation for me. Unfortunately, I got sick at the hospital and wound up in the hospital for 3 days. Was supposed to be in and out surgery, but not for me. I’m sorry that I had the TKR as I was better before the surgery. One surgeon wanted to try something less intense, but the surgeon who did my surgery said my knee was too far gone.

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