I made my knee recovery a job that was 24/7 and took your post operation knee recovery course. I was able to drive the fourth day, play golf after three weeks, and ride my bike 10 miles after four weeks. Following PT guides was critical, as was having enough sleep and eating the proper foods including extra protein. My knee is also able to bend 145° after 4 1/2 weeks. Therapy is a job, but it paid off. I am 80 years old, but feel young again as my leg has improved so nicely.
I also considered therapy my job. If I wasn’t doing exercises or the passive range of motion machine I was icing and elevating. It WAS a full time job. I got a bladder infection at day 9 that sent the bacteria straight to the knee causing a pretty bad cellulitis that knocked me on my butt for a week, yet at my two week post op appointment I was approved for no cane and to drive. I am now four weeks post op and can flex my knee as far as my good knee when I try hard but still am working on strengthening and the 5 degrees of extension I am missing. (I am still healing from the cellulitis. I was given 30 days of antibiotics and thankfully we caught it before it went to the joint. I feel blessed to have dodged that complication.) It seems like we both realize the importance of following all the advice to a “T”.
She is 100% correct on the ice & elevation to reduce swelling. I would add #3 is to manage or reduce pain as much as possible early on. Dont skimp on the pain meds or else the pain will stop you fron doing your exercises.
I had my TKR on August 9. Been icing, elevating and doing my exercises every day. I still have some swelling but so far I am able to walk with a walker and bend the knee.
I had a TKR 2 months ago and I still have alot of swelling in that knee and leg. But while at my PT the pt worker has me on a couple machines that bend the knee well over 80 percent and it hurts alot when they force it that tears run down my face...😢
I am 63 have had 5 or 6 knee surgerys and have had had both knees and one shoulder replaced. I waited too long on both and suffered for many years before all 3 replacements. Even having done that, all replacements went well and even though there was a period of pain and swelling but I was far ahead of my PT schedule on all. Your body will tell you to slow down when you need to. It's going to get stiff and sore but don't be a pain wuss. I don't do much until the wound is healed then I get up and get back to life. Having waited so long to get mine replaced my knees and shoulder quickly hurt less than they did before surgery. Unless you have complications get up and go. You won't start getting better until you get over being scared of it and figure out you aren't going to tear up that steel knee. The shoulder was a much easier recovery for me but being a big very active guy, I am a bit more cautious with the shoulder.
Hi , I did my TKR 2 months back. My PT used CPM for flexion. Now it’s almost 110 degrees range. But I have a problem with below the knee n the muscles are contacted. Not able to stretch fully immediately. It takes time with severe pain. Please suggest what to do
I had a tkr 8 weeks ago. My pt experience was worthless. The pt had poor communication skills and they didn't have the right equipment to deal with a tkr. Thankfully I was already a member of a fully equiped gym and after about a week I would go there every day and ride the exercycle for 30 minutes (initially only for range of motion) and use the leg machines (again initially only for range of motion). My doctor released me to play pickleball and rowing on the water at 6 weeks. I've been playing pickleball very carefully every day since then and increasing weight on the gym machines and I've been OK. But I tell you, be very careful about picking a pt otherwise you can waste a lot of money and get nothing out of it and possibly even end up with the need for an mua. I think an exercycle is the best thing as you can set the seat at your comfortable degree of flex and slowly move the seat down to increase it. As Samantha Smith indicates, everyone is different and what worked for me won't work for everyone else.
Same case. Did everything, carefully. Needed a revision 3 months after the first one. It will be 2 years this october. I elevated, iced it, kept having PT 3 x week. Excecises as tolerated. Never gave up my PT to this day. Using the Jayzee leg brace as directed. I bought it so I don’t have to send it back. Went back to work 1 year and a half ago trying to keep my mind from the restricted ROM, as well as stiffness big time. Still dragging my pain. A horrible experience to this day. I checked you page and didn’t see anything to help me at this point. Another surgery to remove scar tissue?? Was diagnosed with “active arthrofibrosis”. About to get an appoinment with a Dr. in Reumathology. Barely making 90 degrees of ROM, tightness, pain. Tried nerve block. I was active, never overweight, very small framed female. Deal with my new dissability….? Deppressive, anxious. This surgery ruined my retirement at the end of this year. 😢
I need help my doctor wants to do another Mua I don't know if should have another one tell me what to do I need to know how to elevated my leg the 😢pain is bad I can't do the exercises and get it to bend
I understand all too well. These "revisions" are now a moneymaker for the ortho surgeons. The knee replacements have become "meatball surgery" with doctors doing as many as they can per day. Read my comments up above. I have pain, swelling and stiffness-----and I did all the PT, exercises at home, and more. God bless you and good luck!
I have Fibromyalgia and it is really affecting the pain on my outer left side (TLKR 17 days ago). I can not get a 90° ROM - Most is 68° and I am screaming. What am I doing wrong? I feel like a failure and am getting scared tat I will end up with a MUA - which my therapist keeps threatening me with. She isnt gentle at all, she slams my knee after about 3 stretches into the 90° and menscreaming and crying embarrassed in the center.
It depends on the person on what you need to do. I have a full exercise program on my website in the Post Surgery Course with detailed explanations. Https://www.succeedcourses.com/post-surgery-course
My first knee replacement was a huge problem, not knowing a lot specially how to deal with pain and swelling. It took forever to get to 110deg of flex the pain was severe and yes the amount of swelling was ridiculous. This was in a time when Percocet was the choice for pain management and there was no worry about getting hooked. Well let me tell you I found out I have a severe allergy to opioids so managing pain was a challenge. My second knee replacement was completely different I did pre surgery workouts, which basically meant walking 3-6 Kms per day ride bike 3-5 kms day and what ever weight training I could handle. Because of my allergy to opiates my pain management consisted of Ice Ice Ice continually and controlling the swelling by appropriate rest with leg elevation. Post surgery I got into movement right away within two weeks I was 90 degrees flex and within 30 days I was up to 110 deg. My first knee PT was all severe pain my therapist I can only say reminded me of Josef Mengele All in all a very bad experience here was a man who relished the idea of watching me in severe pain! It culminated with me putting a huge hole in his wall after he tried to force my knee ! My second therapist was golden huge man with an equal size heart! One of the best tools we used was the treadmill with an air filled sack that literally takes as much of your weight off the knee! It was golden !
Not having horrible in the knee pain per say, after 7 months, but my leg from top to bottom has sharp pain on the outside of the leg And have had this since surgery. I feel The turniquette they used was appled incorrectly and caused my whole leg from upper Thigh to ankle to turn black and cause sharp pain, now electric feeling shock up the leg. Is this normal??
I'm 65 and have surfed all my life.Ill never surf again if I don't get this thing figured out.Im 2yrs into my TKR and have not been able to regain flexibility,its superstiff,I cannot get up from the floor or stoop to get low..Please help.10pm Hawaii time
I had two replacement, right, knee last,Aug, still weak,know ,Left knee March,4,2024,,Right knee sound like plastic rubbing, an left knee stitch,above knee tore open heal but getting out bed twist feel like rip something, inside stitch now hurts real bad ,hurted April 6,
Just ordered the ice wrap. Having surgery 1 Aug so figured I could use it for the ride home. Forgot about the 10% but will probably use it on extra packs
Dr Sam. Can I please have your take on, if you have had multiple knee surgeries does that caise scar tissue to regenrate faster ultimately working against trying to manage swelling and getting that ROM within that short window of time 6 weeks? Im having my 6th surgery after a TKR and 2 MUA?😢😢😢😢😢 im 2 years post the last MUA and 3 years post the TKR. Im scheduled for a RTKR in 2 weeks with abt 95 ROM going in?? Heartbreaking Im 52.
What advice for a knee revision done 3rd July due to metal allergy. Could not walk for 3.5 years, thigh muscles have shutdown due to lack of use. Was still using 2 crutches upto the revision. Had a custom fit revision implant, which is nickel free & coated. Had to have a MUA just to do the revision, not enough flex to do the surgery. Then had masses of dense scar tissue removed then they started the revision. Got 80 flex 2 days after surgery & it has not progressed. Suffered with severe golf ball sized blisters covering my lower leg. Still do physio twice daily, not a lot of pain during physio, but lots of swelling & tightness & knee becomes very hard to the touch. Pain follows mainly in my thigh & kneecap. Is there anything you can recommend to get me progressing with flexion. Any help really appreciated from anyone.
Heat on the thigh to relax the muscles. Massage the thigh with a rolling pin while you bike. Try not to overdo it as well. If you are super busy all day, that swelling is going to make you stiff. Ice and Elevate more.
@@dr.samanthasmithwhat about water therapy I had revision 2/7/2024 scar has healed nicely. What degree does surgeon decide is necessary for manipulation to stay ahead of the scar tissue buildup? He found over 3” of scar tissue during revision surgery! I cannot go into regression again. I am currently between 85-103 ROM unassisted
Im sorry I didnt find this sooner. My TKR was 11-13 and Im only at 73 degrees bend. If you have to work (like me) I am lucky to be able to work from home, but none the less I have to work an 8 hour day...so with that factor, how often during the day should I be icing and elevating my knee to get my swelling down
Omg this made me cry, I am struggling with my range of motion. I had a bowed leg for years. I went from a 62 to 85 and am stuck! My doctor is giving me the option of MUA not pushing it but I am so frustrated. I am working from home so I can not elevate every couple hours but I do take care of my knee as much as I can. I am able to perform regular tasks I even did lunges (static) and getting the pedal around in the bike. It is not fluent but I could not do that before. Is there any hope?
We have à similar story. I was bowed for about 15 years. Dr removed massive arthritis crap. At the end of my 8 th week , I only was at 80. It was like hitting a concrete wall. I had manipulation done and I amso happy I did. I went from 80 to 103 in a couple of days. I am now at 116 and still pushing!! Good luck on it
@@christinecbw sorry for the time span.i fell about 30 years ago. I stopped running playing basketball jumping rope. The last two years the pain became unbearable. I could walk about 10 steps and would have to sit down . Decided surgery was best. It went well a small amount of discomfort. Physical therapy was great, I pushed myself and eventually my scar tissues wouldn't allow anymore progress. Now after manipulation i have progressed to 120. Be sure to make your own decisions. It's your life And you don't want to be limited. Keep me posted
I had a knee replacement Jan 26, 6 months ago, The 1st 2 months went well, I did everything PT suggested in office and at home. Then the real stiffness started, My Dr and his office blew me off, finally agreed to see me, said you need to take celebrex and wait 6 months, AS the scar tissue continued to build. I found a new DR in June, went to see him and have been wearing a dynasplint 2 times a day, It is slowly breaking down the scar tissue. I wish I would have switched Doctor's earlier. Genetically, my body does form scar tissue and I knew this from genetic testing after breast cancer 2 years ago, I told my 1st Dr this but his staff was not listening. Make sure you have a Doctor and a physical therapist that LISTEN to you. Hopefully, the dynasplint will work, but earlier would have been much better. Listen to your instincts and your body.
I’m using a JAS brace 3 x day. Did all research by myself as nobody guided me. Yes, don’t hesitate to change your doctor if he/she is not listening. Had the same case and everybody thinks you’re not doing your part on therapy. Two years and I should’ve done it earlier! Maybe a surgery to remove my fibrotic tissue but nobody can give a guarantee. Bad.
I am 4 months out from TKR and struggling with ITB pain with stiff knee etc. My pt had me getting back into playing pickleball which doesn’t hurt but stiff knee is not fun.. i tend to overdo everything and want to avoid cortisone shot for bursa inflammation. Should I keep up the many exercises I do or take time off. Love all the tips and exercises you show.
I am currently 5 weeks and can't bend my knee. I have a bend of 76 degree. Want to know if there is any way to get more bending at this point or do I need a Mua. I wanted to do your course but don't know if I am too far along to fix
I have pain everyday. Feels like Im carrying around a bowling ball. Stays stiff and swolen. My ROM is 105 at the Best! I guess I just need to be patient. 😢
I'm in my 2 1/2 month post op I'm only at 87° bend. I have physical therapy twice a week. Wall exercises, my knee bend feels I'm stuck. How can I relax my muscle that feels so tight on the left side on knee. Any suggestions.
I have a new Knee Bending Course to help with this! We’ve had very very great reviews so far. It’s been working for people. Please check it out: www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course
Hi my name is Gloria Rodriguez I had surgery on December 14 th 2023 it's been a mth already Ive been going to physical therapy going on two weeks still having issues bending my leg back I'm on 65 range how why am in not bending back it all the way back kind of worrying about it .
It could be you are overdoing it causing too much swelling. I have a knee bending course coming out soon. Please sign up on the waitlist. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course
Hello, I am Shadi from Lebanon. Can you help me? My mother had a knee replacement surgery a month and twenty days ago. She is 77 years old. She still will not be able to extend her leg and bend it 90 degrees. The size of the tumor is very small, but her muscles are weak. She has no strength. As I said, she is busy cleaning the house and gets tired. I did exercises for her. On the CPM machine, the maximum is 110 degrees. She is in a lot of pain. The solution is a doctor to bend her knee and extend it correctly. Sometimes it makes a block. You cannot move it. It has no flexibility. Thank you very much.
Do you have a video on straightening the new knee? My flexion is great (125 degrees under my own power) but I can't get to zero. The closest at PT we were able to get was 2.5 degrees. I saw the PA at my surgeons office and she measured more like 10 (I think she made a mistake though) and started talking about MUA but went and got the surgeon to have him verify. He essentially said keep working on the swelling and exercises and I'll see you in 3 months. Note: I do have an Ideal Knee and use it at least 3 times a day but the pain (back of knee and just above and below the front of the knee) is pretty bad the closer I get to pressing it to full.
Using the Ideal Knee is going to be your best option. I’m glad you are doing that. Try to hold the stretches for at least 60 seconds. For anyone else reading this… this is the Ideal Knee www.amazon.com/dp/B096L3DDJ3?maas=maas_adg_F85181EAB93853DE4D0C86E45E480D8E_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
@@dr.samanthasmith thanks for the info. I have the same pain at extension that a couple recent threads on your FB talk about. Back of the knee gets painful when forcing it. I keep doing it though hoping one day I'll get straight and it won't hurt anymore.
My Sister is 70 and had a knee replacement last November with poor results, this past month she had a MUA and is Still experiencing major swelling, pain and stiffness - She has Never been a complainer, but this has really got her down, both physically and emotionally - she doesn't know at this point what the next step is - I'm looking for answers too
I would highly recommend my Knee Bending Course to help her through the MUA. this will help her with the symptoms www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course
Hello dr I am 4 months PO I still have swelling and have pain in the knee . My bend is 130 but my extension is 5 degrees , and not going to 0 . Can you please suggest how I can to 0 please . Will wait for your reply.
Whatever you do , when you think you killing it, don’t use that as a reason to go do something stupid like jump on a tractor for hours. Use the better performance to keep you focuse on what your doing right, not as a reason to go do something you shouldn’t.
I had my knee replace ment on Aug 16th ! Severe pain for four weeks then it eased and seemed to be doing a lot better ! Ive done my exercises from Day 1 as instructed ! Iam now 4 mths post op and still find it difficult getting in and out of the car and after walking etc my knee continues to swell around my kneecap and down both sides of my knee ! The joint seems fine sometimes the pain is debilitating ! Should I be concerned or has anyone else experienced the same symptoms 🤔
Most likely it’s due to weakness in the quads. I would highly suggest my 4 Week Strength, Balance & Stretching Class. This will help you do the right exercises to improve these issues. succeedcourses.com/Exercise-class
I can understand knee elevation while you are lying down. But what about when you are sitting ? Seems hard to imagine your "knee over your heart" or "toes over your nose" when sitting !! Kindly explain or illustrate since most of the day, sitting is what you are doing. Thanks.
Great point! So it is best to lay down so you can elevate effectively. The bulk of your elevation will be the first 2 weeks. You’ll most likely be in bed or on the couch anyways. After that, elevation is as needed. Most people need to elevate over heart level at the end of the day. But yes, sitting and elevating as you describe is better than having the knee down on the floor
I am 3 months out l and have just had MUA. Range is about 110 on my own but thigh and calf muscles are stiff and having pain still. Is this normal? How do I get rid of this pain?
I am three and a half weeks post tkr and am struggling to get to 90. I have had two acl and one micro fracture on that knee i ice and elevate non stop but am still struggling with range. Does it take longer for somw people to get that range??
Sometimes, yes. But we want to get you to 100 by 4 weeks. I’d recommend my Post Surgery Course to help you with the correct exercises. If you’re doing the wrong exercises it can cause problems. Www.Succeedcourses.Com/post-surgery-course
My first knee replacement went fine this one wont strighten out after 3 months. This replacement is bigger then the other one. it is pinful for my knee thigh , hip and back.
My TKR is scheduled for Dec. 2023, my question is about my potential for range of motion. My surgeon mentioned that since I have not had more than 90 degrees of bend in my knee for 20 years or so, I will likely never get full range of motion. This has made me ten times more determined to work my ass off during the recovery period by following instructions from my therapist to get the best results. In your opinion, do you think I will be able to prove him wrong? I am highly motivated to get the best results I can and I am happy to find your channel and learn as much as I can to best prepare me for the work ahead.
- you’re way ahead of the game. I had no idea how hard the recovery was going to be. But she is right. Once I found her channel & employed her suggestions i saw incredible progress. Ice & elevation is key to reducing swelling! This will lead to better knee bend
Yes you can! Pre op ROM is best predictor for post op ROM. Your surgeon is right though. It’ll be tough to get full range after surgery if you aren’t there pre surgery. Keep working!
I had TKR one month ago. I recommend doing the stretches you can before your surgery. The ice/compression machine is great. I couldn’t do the strong pain meds (made me extremely nauseous) so just took Extra Strength Tylenol and an anti inflammatory pill. Don’t overdo, but try to do the stretches they recommend and then ice. Good luck!
The 2 things I did to keep my knee to bend was to Bend my knee as far as I could 10 reps and to flatten my knee for 10 reps..My goal was to do 50 reps total for each...As far as elevating my knee...I rarely did that..I did ice my knee regularly . I noticed that my knee was bruising which is a good thing = healing
Active wrap stays cold up to 3 hours and it is very easy to store in the freezer. The ice packs attach by Velcro into the knee sleeve. I would recommend buying the knee sleeve (which comes with 2 ice packs) AND a set of extra ice packs so you can always have 2 cold ones in the freezer. You’ll want to order directly from the website and use the code DRSAM10 for 10% off. activewrap.com/products/heated-iced-knee-wrap
Good luck!! Glad you are learning as much as possible prior to surgery. That’s important. Be sure to check out my website too. Lots of good info on there. www.Succeedcourses.com
Having a revision on September 25th. No infection, but the bone did not entirely adhere to my original implant. What might be the biggest differences between my first new replacement and a revision?
4 weeks post op today. Got a bend of 135 which pt says is good. Ive gotten sore the last few days. I know I've been spending too much time on my feet and ive been exercising 7 days a week, 3 at pt and 4 at home. Think ill take it easy a couple of days. I appreciate any other ideas anyone may have.
Had my knee replacement done on Apr 24,2023. Was doing really well with exercises,walking,and controlling swelling. This week my knee is stiff and swelling behind knee. I also had a Bakers cist removed. This week feels like 1st week after surgery. I do a lot of walking each day and have also mowed the lawn a few times since surgery, I don’t know what to do..pain is terrible and I’m limping
8 weeks out and thing are good only question I have. Ice and raising my knee up. How long do I need to keep this up now Iam at -3 and 105 and still working to get to 120
Since your 8 weeks, I would say at the end of the day when you are probably most sore and swollen. Unless for some reason you are very active, you can elevate more than once. But usually you’ll need to elevate at end of the day or after a strenuous activity like mowing the lawn, walking in the mall or maybe hiking.
