Scar tissue after tkr - popping

Posted by mrnomad @mrnomad, Mar 1, 2023

I had arthroscopic surgery to remove scar tissue 8 months after a TKR. That stopped the noise and popping but 10 weeks later, the scar tissue is back. I am very active, walk 7 days per week, gym 3x per week. Not sure what the next step is. PT hasn't reduced scar tissue, massaging doesn't help. Knee gets inflamed after every workout. Ideas and suggestions are welcome.

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Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Mar 1, 2023

Good evening @mrnomad, welcome to Connect. I hope that a good number of TKR folks will be able to help you. I had scar tissue build-up with my first TKR about 10 years ago. It didn't go away until my MFR (myofascial release) therapist worked on the fascia restrictions for about 2 months. Last year I had my second TKR and because of my scar tissue history, the PT provider and my MFR therapist worked together to make sure I didn't have any build-up this time. You may find some benefits in reading about MFR here on Connect.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
One of our mentors, @jenniferhunter, who wrote the intro above, says this about MFR and scar tissue. "Surgical scar tissue is something that MFR helps".

Another link might also be helpful. This one shows you how the fascia builds up and becomes a restriction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE&t=86s

Please feel free to direct any questions my way or to @jenniferhunter and I am sure you will receive a valid and helpful response.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

continentalred | @continentalred | Mar 2, 2023

Great that you are active but it has been my experience that too much weight bearing activity causes inflammation which can make scar tissue even worse.
Try sticking to aquafit classes if possible or get a walking bike such as the Alinker
I got a compression stocking prescribed by my PT and it has helped greatly with keeping the
inflammation under control particularly when I am walking