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
@killerbees I am glad you are going for a second opinion if your implant "is huge compared to my right knee", this just does not sound right to me. It seems more and more TKR patients have been fitted with a knee that is not the correct size. As I have said before on this forum, I had a custom made knee, Conformis, which is made to replicate your natural knee in size. I highly recommend that to anyone considering a knee replacement.
I hope you get some good input from the second opinion doctor. Please post what he/she says. There seem to be so many people with this type of problem it's good to know the causes.
JK
Liked by doodles418
Hi everyone – I'm another one with a prolonged recovery. I'm coming up on one year and still cannot walk stairs properly, especially going down. I have to echo what others have said about more "passive" PT. I've had the greatest relief from a talented PT who does myfascial release, massage, and cupping. She has her own office with a heated bed and the whole experience is very nurturing, a far cry from a room full of machines! I ride my stationary bike, too. Still, pain and problems with endurance continue.
I'm getting my second opinion next month because surgeons won't provide them until one year out. So I will post in July, if not sooner, when I've heard with the famous surgeon in Boston has to say!
Hi Babette, my surgery was in 10/18 and manual manipulation in 12/18. Stairs are difficult and goin down is much harder than going up, so I’m thinking it’s normal what your experiencing. Even while we are hiking terrain going up is easier than downhill. My mother has had both knees replaced 10 years ago + and she tells me what I’m experiencing, what your feeling is pretty normal. I am curious as to what your dr says in July and can’t wait to hear. I didn’t expect to be living like this at 55.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
@sdhkkjmz I can really relate to the shock of this disability at a young age. I consider myself young, having had this done when I was 60. My parents lived to be nearly 90 and my dad had 2 knee replacements. They were both fully active and functional in all ways until just before their respective deaths. I find it *very* hard to accept that if I live to my late 80s that so many things I love (skiing, hiking, etc.) are OVER.
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor
@babette I'm glad you are getting that 2nd opinion. At 4 months I kept telling Dr and PT's that something isn't right. My newer PT that is private has done wonders with myofascial release and massage for me too. At 6 months I was able to see a Dr that specializes in revisions and failed implants. He reviewed xrays and determined both (I had bilateral) knees were too large for my small frame. Good luck, I'll be waiting to see what your 2 nd opinion is.
Liked by Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor
@babette Your PT sounds great, I wish my therapist was as good as that, he was totally perplexed about doing "gentle" or passive PT. I will be looking forward to hearing what comes out of your July appointment.
@doodles418 that's great that you now have a reason for your pain. Will you go ahead and have the revision? I know you must dread another surgery but I'm sure it will be worth it if you do.
JK
Liked by Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor
I am in the same boat as you guys are . A surgery that has gone bad after the replacement (partial),then injections, then a knee manipulation, then a scope and still no relief along with a surgeon who doesnt care at all sort of laughs when you tell him of the pain and how your life changed I don't believe there is any help
I too have developed sciatic pain after my knee replacement , My knee is doing good as it is only been five weeks however the pain in my butt and down my legs also makes it hard for me to sit for long times or stand for a long time. Going to therapy to see if there’s anything they can do for it to help me along
@exflyer
Thank you. It took about a year after my TKR surgery before the scar tissue started really limiting my range of motion. Others who have undergone the lysis procedure have reported that the scar tissue returned shortly after the surgery which has made me hesitant to undergo the procedure, but now I have tried everything else without any improvement and your results give me hope for a positive outcome!
Liked by JK, Alumna Mentor