Frozen leg due to scar tissue, cannot bend knee

Posted by deb02 @deb02, Aug 8 6:07pm

After 16 weeks of Software therapy my leg is the same.
Prior to this therapy I did have therapy ordered by an Orthopedic surgeon
The scar tissue is in my thigh and has caused complete restriction of my knee. I have scoliosis and disc problems which has increased my ability to walk, sit or participate in most activities.
I tried to get this treated like a frozen shoulder and have my leg bent. I have experience the pain of the breaking of the tissue when I accidently fell and caused the scar tissue of my right leg (especially above my knee) to tear. I suffered through the pain and have to stretch this leg or it will become very tight.
I am desperate to walk again but I need help!

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Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Aug 12 8:44am

Hi @deb02, I'd like to invite @algrieco, @baparichard, @lagnew, @pcfreeman61 and @rainerhans to this discussion as they have all recently posted about their scar tissue issues to share if they have had any luck in working through it.

@deb02, I had a similar experience with my knee replacement. My scar tissue was quick to form and strong. I had to undergo two manipulations on my knee and that still did not break it loose. Ultimately, like you, I tore the scar tissue on my own and that is what finally freed my knee up some. I only was able to achieve 0-100 for my range of motion, but it was better than the 10-30 I was stuck with for the year after my replacement.

Despite the pain, have you been able to move a bit more freely since the tearing of your scar tissue?

baparichard | @baparichard | Aug 12 9:49am

Thanks for connecting and sharing your experience.
I'm still working with my PT to "elongate and stretch" my scar tissue. Progress has been slow and complicated by an infection and swelling. In my case, after 3 replacements and a reconstruction, we are targeting a 90° flexion. I've been past 90° after previous surgeries but getting to 90° this time will take longer and a real commitment for me with exercise to complement my physical therapy. Discouraging right now, but I remain hopeful.

rainerhans | @rainerhans | Aug 12 12:43pm

In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @deb02, I'd like to invite @algrieco, @baparichard, @lagnew, @pcfreeman61 and @rainerhans to this discussion as..." + (show)

From my experience, I can tell you, that I found the pain after my knee replacement was bad, special when I did all the exercises my PT instructed me to do.
She was the one who told me all the time, how important it was to really go through these weeks and months of exercises to not get scars and manipulation later on.
She was right, never underestimate the power ( even if very painful) of exercising!
With our backs, we have stenosis at our lower backs, my husband and me, it’s all about moving and exercising again, to keep it flowing, to avoid further surgeries, water gymnastics and chair yoga are my favorite, my husband is in love with pickle ball.
And yes it is not easy, and yes it is painful sometimes, but we have that good mood that helps us going, special as we do it together with others in a group.

pfreeman61 | @pfreeman61 | Aug 13 9:07am

In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hi @deb02, I'd like to invite @algrieco, @baparichard, @lagnew, @pcfreeman61 and @rainerhans to this discussion as..." + (show)

I have found the best for me, while it is painful, walking. Taking long exaggerated steps concentrating on every piece of movement in the stride has been working for me so far. I mean every detail! Heel first, roll to toe, push off, lift the leg to rear, lift knee and snap leg forward, drive down on heel. Of course you have to pay attention to both sides at the same time and try to “balance” the stride.