Connect
← Return to How do you treat excess scarring after TKR?
Discussion
How do you treat excess scarring after TKR?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Jan 22, 2023 | Replies (73)Comment receiving replies
Fortunate I am to have an exceptional young physical therapist who has addressed every single issue with my reverse total shoulder 2019 and now my TKR 201. These are not easy . Takes a knowledgeable therapist, and a great surgeon that has done their job. My therapist starts massage right from the start and has taught me how to do it on my knee. It is definitely unpleasant to go through but outcome is so positive. Insurance pays for all while in therapy. I have had to use muscle stimulator, dry needling, massage, and of course a daily exercise regimen to include balance exercises not just for a few months but for a lifetime. Still do occasional dry needling on shoulder because I tend to overuse it, my bad. I also do water aerobics. My surgeon is young too and told me from the start it takes a great deal of work on my part. Am so pleased to not be in the pain I was in prior to these surgeries.
Best wishes to all. It’s a life long journey.
Replies to "Fortunate I am to have an exceptional young physical therapist who has addressed every single issue..."
Connect
Absolutely true that "My surgeon is young too and told me from the start it takes a great deal of work on my part." It is obvious that you are doing the work - congratulations!
I think often the issue with post surgery recovery (but certainly not all of it) is either that the doctor forgets to tell the patient that the largest part of the equation is to do the rehab OR the patient chooses not to hear it in their excitement to get relief from pain. People also get the "glazed over" look when the doctor or his PA try to explain that every body is different, the procedure may be different "once I am in there", there are risks and that perfect results are not guaranteed.
When I share with people that I have had - and rehabbed from - a dozen ortho surgeries - the most usual response is "You're lucky". My reply is "No, I'm stubborn" - I don't give up. They weren't there at 5 am and 9 pm, when I was doing PT after ACL replacement/MCL repair before & after work and raising kids. Or when I was going between 2 PT appointments, one to work on my back & neck, the other to work on my surgically repaired wrist.
Keep up the good work - and hang on to the name of your PT - the good ones are golden.
Sue