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Any recommendations to improve ROM after TKR?

Posted by cungham89 @cungham89, Feb 24, 2025

I had LKTR 5 weeks ago. When I left the hospital, ROM was 55. 5 days later, I started PT and I was at 53. Last week, tested again and I can get to 73 if they assist in pushing on my leg. Tested again today and still at 73. To say that I am frustrated is an understatement. The muscles on each side of the knee are extremely tight. I currently get pain on the inside of the knee when I am doing my exercises (pretty much same spot before surgery). I am researching MRT now which I think it should help. I really do not want to go the MUA route. Anyone else experience anything similar and what worked for you?

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cyndi2013 | @cyndi2013 | Feb 25, 2025

I am 4 months post op and still experiencing stiffness in the knee. Keep doing exercises as you feel comfortable. Don't over extend yourself. Lots of rest and ice.
This is a lengthy recovery.

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cathymw | @cathymw | Feb 25, 2025

Definitely involve your surgeon. My MUA was only covered under their "warranty" (go figure), as I was bringing up the issues at my 6 week check up.

I could not retain 90* when bending after PT, or flatten my knee (extension was about 7-9*) at my 6 week check-up. Hardly a functioning joint and worse than before my surgery in pain, discomfort for sure. Had the MUA at 11 weeks (best before 12 weeks for being effective).

9 months later, glad I had the MUA but when is this stiffness and tightness going to go away? Gotta warm the knee up to work constantly.

So many variables we don't know, that your PT and Dr. may. Best wishes.

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cathymw | @cathymw | Feb 25, 2025
In reply to @cyndi2013 "I am 4 months post op and still experiencing stiffness in the knee. Keep doing exercises..." + (show)
Profile picture for cyndi2013 @cyndi2013

I am 4 months post op and still experiencing stiffness in the knee. Keep doing exercises as you feel comfortable. Don't over extend yourself. Lots of rest and ice.
This is a lengthy recovery.

Jump to this post

Ice machine!!
https://www.onestep.co/resources-blog/range-of-motion-after-knee-replacement-surgery

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cyndi2013 | @cyndi2013 | Feb 25, 2025

I didn't get the ice machine. I used ice packs. Now I am using ice bags and they worked very well. Especially at my office and traveling.

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sandy19 | @sandy19 | Mar 31 6:39pm

I am 8 weeks out from left knee replacement and my assessed knee flexion is 81 degrees. Is anyone on the same range as me? I am concerned about my ROM.

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Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Apr 1 8:32am
In reply to @sandy19 "I am 8 weeks out from left knee replacement and my assessed knee flexion is 81..." + (show)
Profile picture for sandy19 @sandy19

I am 8 weeks out from left knee replacement and my assessed knee flexion is 81 degrees. Is anyone on the same range as me? I am concerned about my ROM.

Jump to this post

Hi @sandy19,

I combined your discussion with another discussion titled:

"Any recommendations to improve ROM after TKR?"
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-recommendations/

@cungham89 had similar issues with their replacement in gaining ROM. I'd also like to tag @cyndi2013, @cathymw, @lorag and @phmedley to this discussion to share their experiences with knee replacement and gaining ROM after surgery.

@sandy19, Have you had follow-up with your surgeon or any PT? There can be a lot of variables that play a factor with limited range of motion after a total knee replacement. Sometimes that leads to a manipulation procedure as well, has that been discussed as an option?

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