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?
Liked by rwaller77, ssbionicknee, darkwingedangel, gmajudy
I am curious what brand knee you had the first time and if the revision was done using the same knee or different one. I am 13 months out with my Smith & Nephew knee and my range of motion has gone down to under 110. At 3 months I had 120. Saw surgeon the other day, he claims I'm fine, but didn't offer to do a MRI to check for scar tissue. Suggests I just walk and bike and go about life and lower my expectations. Hmmmm….. Not sure how to handle that. Any advise?
Liked by scartissue
my stem cell procedure for the knee was $7000, and for the back was $1000. I have had a follow up procedure to keep the arthritis at bay for the knee. No pain and had a cane to get home the first day and after that, watched TV and read for the first 2 weeks . That was it. The back was easier. Told not to mow the lawn or ride a bike. No pain. Do my stretching every day. Sure beats surgery.
Problem i see is a lot of unqualified people trying to do it wth no training. Its like the wild west out there. Do your homework.
I had a TKR in January and am having a very difficult recover. Lots of scar tissue. Limited bend. Very frustrated. But to your question about pain behind the knee -yes I do have that off and on especially when I try to turn the wheel on my upright bicycle for a period of time. And my discomfort is on the outside of the knee as well. Crazy tightness in the knee – yes. My orthopedic surgeon is stymied and having me get an MRI on my back to see if there is a correlation. No answers here yet but I am keeping up with exercise hoping for a miracle.
Hello @kneeproblem, welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with a discussion titled, "Scar tissue after knee replacement." I did this so you could meet the many members already discussing scar tissue after knee replacements and how they have coped with and rehabbed it.
@kneeproblem, I had my right knee replaced in 2006 and had issues with aggressive scar tissue formation as well. I ended up having two different knee manipulations to break the scar tissue loose. It was a long, hard road for me, but ultimately I did end up having 0-105 degree range-of-motion. The manipulations were tough, but I do believe in the end they helped me get over the hump.
Liked by Colleen Young, Connect Director
After TKR I did all the pt including water therapy. My knee swelled when exercising in water. I reached 121 but very painful. Now 5 years laterknee still swollen so I ignore it and continue to do my daily biking, golf , gardening. Will never do another TKR if I can help it. That is why I paid the extra cost for stem cells.
Well I had Stem Cells and PRP in March. Now must face knee surgery – not scared of it – Just the After surgery, no v-ball for 3 months, cannot go in ocean for 6 weeks after.
With Cells and PRP do feel move comfort and balance and body seems more like itself pre 2015. But will now see 2 surgeons and see what they say?
I'll say it again, if u r contemplating Stem cells just try PRP alone First. $500. Used to b free w medicare = now $500!
Thank you, @JustinMcClanahan , I have had a cortisone shot since and going for possibly another tomorrow, possible 3rd clean out is in the near future. I am unfortunately prone to scar tissue.
I am eight months post-TKR. Scar tissue prevents movement more than 95 degrees. I can do aggressive exercise and get it to 112 but that only lasts for minutes. Swelling and scar tissue have been a problem since day one. I am going in for genicular block on Monday. Coincidentally, my sister in law had this procedure done last week and she claims it took her pain away (she has been in a wheelchair most of the time). CBD oil and Voltaren gel both seem to help the pain.
I read your comment with interest. Both of my knees are bad and I am afraid of the TKR. I hope to qualify for the stem cell procedure. Right now I have full movement of both knees, but of course stairs and walking are painful. I would like to know more about your sisters recovery. Thank you
@JustinMcClanahan
Hello @trecie68, and welcome to Connect. You may notice that I moved your discussion and combined it with an existing discussion titled, "Scar tissue after knee replacement." I moved your discussion here so you could meet the many members discussing knee replacements and the issues that arose after the surgery and how some of the other members are coping with it. If you are replying by email, I suggest clicking on VIEW & REPLY so that you will be brought to the new discussion and can read through the previous posts from members. Feel free to jump in where you can.
@trecie68, I also had issues with scar tissue. I had to have two manipulations after my initial replacement surgery. It took me close to two years to find my new normal which ended up being 0-110 ROM and to become nearly pain free. It can get better and we all heal at different rates. The hot to touch could be a sign you may want to get it looked at. Have you discussed this with your medical provider?