Scar tissue after knee replacement

Posted by leithlane @leithlane, Jan 31, 2017

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @keeneau1 "Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with it. I hope mine will turn out..." + (show)

keeneau,

If you haven't had surgery yet, please make sure to get your leg(s) in shape ahead of surgery, and then start PT immediately after surgery (they'll have you take a short walk with a PT and a walker in the hospital before they release you).

Do these things and it's unlikely you'll develop scar tissue. Once scar tissue forms, it creates a problem that can't be fixed with therapy alone.

All the best,

Joe

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @681 "I had TKR in 2020. Good range of motion but getting up from a chair or..." + (show)

681,

Do a LOT of PT to help, under the guidance of a therapist and at home on your own. You don't want the scar tissue to come back.

Joe

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @goodpeople "Scar tissue is an elusive problem. I had my right knee replaced in Feb. 2021. Within..." + (show)

goodpeople,

I think the chances of developing scar tissue can be drastically reduced by doing all the recommended PT immediately after a TKR. It worked for me. You know that once the scar tissue forms, it's hell to get it out.

So to all contemplating a TKR, get in shape first, and follow the therapist guidelines every day for at least 6 weeks, or as your condition demands. TKR is an amazing, life-changing procedure but the patient has to do about 90% of the work!

All the best,

Joe

goodpeople | @goodpeople | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @heyjoe415 "goodpeople, I think the chances of developing scar tissue can be drastically reduced by doing all..." + (show)

While I agree that PT is the key to a good piece of this, I would have to counter that sometimes that is not the solution. In my case, I spent four months in PT, 3X week, and it did not halt the spread of scar tissue. I had two therapists who commented on my commitment to get myself whole again. Some people’s bodies just produce scar tissue and it has nothing to do with their commitment to PT…it just happens.

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @heyjoe415 "keeneau, If you haven't had surgery yet, please make sure to get your leg(s) in shape..." + (show)

Hi Joe, First I want to thank you for your friendly and caring manner as you share with others on Connect. You are also a dedicated...."You can do this!' person, especially in support of PT before and after surgery.

Now....I do have a response to your statement above, "once scar tissue forms, it creates a problem that can't be fixed with therapy alone". Fortunately for me, I discovered MFR (myofascial release therapy) when my first TKR was about 3 years old and scar tissue was beginning to make itself recognized with pain and discomfort. My MFR therapist recognized it, diagnosed it, and relieved me of it. That took about 6 weeks with 15-20 minutes devoted to releasing the actual tissue and another 10 minutes to work on the swelling.

With my 2nd TKR last year, my Orthopedic PT worked in tandem with my MFR therapist, and I have not experienced any scar tissue. I agree with you that every patient and every surgery is amazingly different. However, I want to hang my hat out for MFR. Have you ever tried it?

I now appear on time twice a week for my MFR sessions. My SFN (small fiber neuropathy) has become more of an issue in the last 9 years and I now need to be there twice a week and am treated by two MFR therapists to even keep up with this progressive condition. As an example, I have stretch Yoga class on Tuesdays.....so my preparatory MFR is on Monday.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

eurekahayley | @eurekahayley | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @ezas123 "Sorry to hear …. But have you tried mfr I do this aggressively and the swelling..." + (show)

What’s mft?

ezas123 | @ezas123 | Sep 20, 2022

In reply to @eurekahayley "What’s mft?" + (show)

It’s mfr myofascial release it helps swelling and breaks up scar tissue….

eurekahayley | @eurekahayley | Sep 21, 2022

In reply to @ezas123 "It’s mfr myofascial release it helps swelling and breaks up scar tissue…." + (show)

Thank you.

gregorymcg9 | @gregorymcg9 | Sep 21, 2022

In reply to @ezas123 "Sorry to hear …. But have you tried mfr I do this aggressively and the swelling..." + (show)

mfr?

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Sep 21, 2022

Have you been doing the stretching exercises for range of motion, like ankle slides, every day 3 to 5 times per day? This is the best way to prevent scar tissue. I'm just surprised it's developed this quickly and if you've been following PT. Has a Dr. confirmed it's scar tissue?

If it is (and I hope it isn't) the best way I know to get rid of it is surgery. There is also my-fasciae release (MFR) that can be done under anesthesia as it is painful. I? hope you get it resolved.