I stumbled across this video. I'm one month out from tkr. I was determined to push myself to get ahead of the recovery curve. I hit a wall and had to stop for two days to let myself recover. After that I've now dialed back the exercise program. I now exercise to the point of fatigue, then ice my knee. And I don't feel like I'm cheating myself. Recovery will proceed at the pace I can handle.
I am now 6 weeks out from surgery. My arthritis was related to a motorcycle accident when I was 19 during which I had severe injury and multiple fractures in food, tibia, fibula and femur. I still have a steel plate screwed to my femur. It has been the most pain I have ever experienced since my original accident almost 50 years ago. I am normally very active and athletic and am trying to get back to that baseline. Your videos have been so helpful and encouraging to me. You have answered many questions I’ve had that weren’t answered by my current PT. About lateral knee and leg pain, sciatica and hip pain. You’re the best. Thank you for your encouragement and expertise.
Thank you. I needed this today. 9 weeks out. All the things mentioned it help me not to get upset about range of motion. 110 to 113. Today, I said I'm taking a break. Tomorrow is rherapy. Thankyou for all you do. You've been helping me stay level-headed. Just so you know... I truly appreciate your time and effort you give to the people you train. Wish there were more like you. That don't push so hard...just saying. Thankyou 😊❤
Hello , I am 71 , had tkr 7 weeks ago. Prior to surgery I was very active , biking 14 miles a day. My injury was from an old wrestling injury in high school. I have been very lucky with recovery due to prior activity and normal weight. I used a walker 1 day and a cane 2 days except to go to the bathroom at night. I have had very little pain. Did. Physical therapy at home, later at an office for 3 visits. Able to walk up and down stairs normally, go for walks in the woods, and ride a bike, slowly, for 6 miles. I really enjoy your videos. You answer many questions that pop up during the recovery . Thanks
I so needed this attitude adjustment! I am a type A person who pushes myself a bit much. Also a retired RN and a horrible patient. What a twit I am🙄 What you shared in this video is straight logic and science and I am going to try to do my PT in a much more measured way with proper expectations. Thank you so very much, you are a blessing😊
Thank you speaking out for the balanced view. The body has been assaulted by the TKR procedure. It NEEDS TO HEAL. Exercise is great, but it needs to be kept in perspective against the background of tissue trauma. More frequent, lower intensity workouts are far better than the "no pain, no gain" strenuous approach.
I needed this. After many videos telling me that I must be walking without aid, no limp by such-and-such or the comments from people doing 110° by week 2 etc. It’s good to remember that I’m recovering from a major, highly invasive procedure and I’m going to take time to heal.
HiTony, I had a TKR on 4th February 2023, I have been doing well at home ( NHS doesn’t provide a trainer) I have just recently had my follow-up appointment and it was suggested I attend a knee/hip recovery group exercise class at the Hospital, I attended the class, I did 1 hour of various exercises, I expressed my concern to our trainer that some of the exercises were very difficult, he said you have to push through the pain, it is 5 Days sinse the class, I have been in so much pain and am now limping again, I am not going to the class next week, I have decided giving my body time to heal and get back to where I was before the class, I will go back to the class in a few weeks time however I intend to work at my own pace, thank you Tony much appreciated Hannah🙏☘️💚
Thankyou for this very useful information . I am 3 months into my recovery and set myself back by overdoing stretches 2 weeks ago . I still have lots of swelling and pain but l have had to accept the truth told to my by my surgeon tbat it could take 12 months to fully recover. The hardest part is the realization that EVERY knee replacement is different for every patient. It is so difficult when people say to you "oh you are still limping " as you struggle with a walking stich after 3 months. I am rethinking the whole recovery process and your advice is very timely for me thanks so much.
This was so good to hear, 6weeks since my tkr, and I was doing fine but the last few days have been terrible , and I realize its because I am pushing myself to hard to get back to normal, so today I'm going to rest my self , give my body a chance to get better, thanks for all your advice , best wishes
Tony, This video really helps. Understanding what other people are going through made all the difference for me through your videos. I am four weeks out from my knee replacement. I’m starting to sleep better, but I get tired easily. Knowing that what I am going through is normal takes a load off me. I’m going to let my body heal and have peace with it. I’ll keep the Exercise going but realize this is not a triathlon.
Love this video! Oh, how I wish I had found you & especially wish I had heard this video before my first knee replacement last Jan. 2. I expected WAY too much of myself from the first day I went to PT, and I felt my PT expected way too much as well. Had hoped to be able to bend my new knee to 90 degrees the first day. Turns out the best I could get was 77 degrees. I realize now that I was depressed from the first day forward until PT graduated me at 9 1/2 weeks. I felt like a failure that entire time which did nothing to help my recovery! I definitely lost my appetite for wks & wks. Lost a lot of weight! After 6 wks, no more pain prescription refills, I basically, did not sleep hardly at all at night due to pain/ discomfort whatever you wanna call it! Therefore, more depressive, etc. Praise God, at 11 1/2 wks, I bam slept all night! That didn’t happen every night after that but I began to be able to sleep more & more. Know Now Now at 5 1/2 mos, I can walk a mile at a fairly good pace and I sleep at night! Will have 2nd replacement, hopefully, next Feb., depends on what is going on w/COVID! Ugh!!! Thanks to you and my first hand experience, this should go a lot easier! I will give myself time and not stress out! THANK YOU!!!!!!
My new left knee is 7 weeks old. I have managed to walk without support but I walk with a limp, short range extension and pain below the knee cap. What can I do to improve.
Get your knee done in the same year the co pays and out of pocket are all paid up! 🤷🏻♂️ That’s what Ive done this year. Revision on the right knee in late May and the total on the left in early August! I’m getting around OK now with the Right leg really well and the left total is still recovering! But I’m glad I’ve done it! I wanted it in Feb and June but Covid! 🤷🏻♂️
@@danielbolo6468 I don’t know if you have improved with your limping but this video is exactly what got me limp free at five weeks th-cam.com/video/aj_6LarYLSs/w-d-xo.html
This is good to hear. I’m doing good at 4 weeks with great ROM, but as I pushed the knee began to hurt more than ever. Now I’m giving myself a rest day once a week, and going more gentle stretches. The whole reason for doing a TNR was quality of life.
I just had my other knee replaced in September. I can tell you that this new knee is not responding to therapy as well as my other knee did. I can tell you that I have been over raining. I just realized that about two weeks ago. I am now taking it much slower. As far as the surgery itself, I compare it to controlled trauma. The basically destroy you knee then rebuild it. I also learned, the hard way, even though my two knees are part of MY body, they do NOT respond the same. Great vid. Thanks.
Thank you for this!! I’m 6 weeks today and making progress every day. It might be small but moving in the right direction and honoring my body and the healing process.
That’s what happened to me. Surgeon thinks I got tendonitis. I’m at 10 weeks tomorrow and alsoI’m at physio tomorrow as I can’t bend or straighten as much as I could at 7 weeks po. I am so fed up now 😢😢😢
Im a year late for this clip, but boy o boy am i happy i watched it. You were so on cue with this advice. You described me to a T. Im gonna slow dwn, listen to my body. Its been 4 mths post tkr and im frustrated with my recovery. Ive this many times since you popped into my notifications, wish you were here in Chicago! But, fortunately i have you on youtube, thanx Tony, if you only knew how much youve helped me. Feels like ive known you forever! Keep these clips coming, i really need em!
Absolutely excellent advice about not focusing on the numbers and listening to your body. My numbers can vary wildly throughout a 24 hour period, yet I eventually make progress. Thank you for your great advice and expertise! I'm on TKR number two, and your videos are very helpful!
Thank you so much for this. All of the symptoms of overdoing....I'm feeling. Now I realize I'm not going crazy and I dont need pain to get better I'm pushing way too hard and its making me miserable in all areas of my life... I'm chilling and slowing down to get myself back. Again, thanks so much
God bless you for this information. I am 5 weeks post surgery and this video helped me so much with what I am experiencing. You make a positive difference in the world. Thank you and keep up the great wor 0:02 k.
This was great news to me. Accurate description of the mental ups n downs. I think my young PTs are trying to make me overachieve by pushing to pain limit, then a bit more-OUCH! I AM BACKING OFF THIS PAINFUL APPROACH TODAY! 69 yrs old-3.5 weeks I am at 1* /118* …….I can walk like the Real McCoy-Thanks for the great and reassuring videos you post!!
How timely! I overdid yesterday (my home PT) up-ed my repeats to 100. So I broke it down to two sessions of 50. I takes me 95 minutes to complete one session. And I did standing on my toes whilst lifting my heals- 100x. Last night I was in so much pain n today too. Piercing pains. I never had this at all. Today, I m just resting- no exercise. I m 32 days Post op. So now I shall break it down to 3-4 sessions. Thanks Anthony! Btw, your are not just reasonably good. You are ABSOFANTABULOUS. (Absolutely fantastic n fabulous)❤️- KL, Malaysia.
Your videos are so very helpful and reassuring that I’m on the right path. You are the only PT on TH-cam that I would trust. Thanks for all your help!!!
steting my third week in after tkrhad one done a year the 1oth of dec no com parison this latest one has just about broke me this video helped me a lot thank you
I did way too much without recovering and it resulted in my muscles becoming so tight that it caused major pain, swelling and took so much longer to gain range of motion. Now I am 5 mos and have been having dry needling to release my muscles along with gentle strengthening only twice per week. Recovery is so important. This video is very helpful!
Thank you so much, I had surgery 11 weeks ago and I think after listening to you I have pushed to hard. I still hurt and one hour on my feet is all I can do.
Wish you were my PT. Mine thought it was ok to push down on my knee so hard I had tears. Then bend my leg so hard that again tears came!!!!! After an MUA I still didn't do better. My knee swelled up so much I was back to square one. My doctor blamed me and ordered 4 more weeks of PT. Then he said I guess I should see you after that. Needless to say, I never went back!! You nailed it! I had all your systems!
You are awesome 👌 I will take it easy from now on. I'm at week 9 and bending 80-85 degrees. I am a Nurse and extremely anxious to go back to work. Thanks for all your advice, I will relax and allow the healing process to continue without force.
Thank you! Im 4 weeks out from tkr and Im struggling w range of motion, despite doing PT and home exercises, etc. Sleep is rough still. Nutrition great reminder for me and not over doing exercise...I needed to hear that we all get range of motion back on own time and to our own degree bc Ive been feeling frustrated that only at 101 at 4 weeks (pushing knee). I had lost range prior and surgeon explained this was going to be challenge for me. Im hopeful I will be doing circuit classes & figure skating again soon..Thank you!
Thanks so much for this video! And for your others. This is spot on for my case. I am a little over 12 weeks post TKR. At 2 weeks with a lot of daily work I could get 90 degrees flexion. But 12 weeks later I have made very little progress. Because of Covid I am not in any organized PT since 2 weeks post op. Thanks to all your and other great videos I am able to do PT on my own, although I do not think it has been as effective. When I wake up I am always back to about 75 degrees. After pushing the therapy pretty much all day I am at 90 to 95 at 5 PM. All of the symptoms from the web site are spot on. Throw stay at home for covid in as well. My mental fortitude is challenged every day. The lack of flexion is extremely frustrating as I have been working hard on it. I had an extra articular ACL repair about 37 years ago. Although my knee had great flexion the pain was terrible. My doc chose to leave all the old hardware and repair in place when he put in my new knee. I wonder if this is part of my hurdle? I can finally detect minute improvements. A week or so ago I decided to back off the home PT and work. I believe my PT was causing swelling and pain. Hopefully I won't back up. On a side note. One stretch I discovered that seems to help is with the aid of a dining table chair. It is the perfect height for me. I bend the knee and put my foot over the seat of the chair.my foot is hang in off one side of the seat while my knee is resting on the other. I slowly work on standing straight up until I can achieve 90 degrees. It generally h takes several reps lasting 10 to 15 minutes to get to 90.
Such an important video. Been struggling with the one step forward two steps back phenomenon and the resulting frustration. Hopefully, I can take your advice to heart, Tony!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m 2 weeks out and hearing you validate the pressure I’m getting from my surgeon and cutting myself some slack. Thank you.
Thank you for all your great videos! I have learned so much from them. Your patients are very lucky to have such a kind, caring physical therapist. My therapists are obsessed with numbers. They made me feel like a failure because I couldn’t get to 90° ROM at 2 weeks post surgery. They’ve treated me like my TKR was for normal wear & tear, but my issue was actually congenital. Even though I am behind on their idea of ROM schedule, I know from watching your videos that there is hope & I’m getting there. It’s been ~ 3 1/2 weeks & I am at 103 ROM. I can get to 110 ROM when they push my leg into flexion, which I hate & dread that technique every visit. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks so much Tony for all your videos. They are an immense help to all of us going through a TKR. I’m 2 weeks 5 days out and my personality is that I’ve always pushed myself. I’ve been very active my whole life, taught fitness classes, used to run, bike a lot, speed walking and I’m a normal weight. I thought I’d bounce right back. Looking for a miracle and you’ve helped keep me grounded and for that & all the help your videos are I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Keep up the great work that you do! And I will do my best to take your advice, I know you know what you’re talking about!
I have definitely had a decline in improvement from doing too much. It goes like this: I wake up and the swelling seems less; ROM is greater, so mood is up. So i up the ante on all the exercises: Up goes the swelling, down goes the ROM and my mood! I so wanted zero degrees extension by today, six weeks post op. You hear that you only have 6 weeks to get it so you push. You are btwn a rock and a hard place. My flexion was great at a week post op., but my extension was 2 inches off the ground, and now (after lots of physio) a mere 1 inch. Feel like i am never going to get there and my window-of-opportunity is missed.
I recently had a TKR and your videos were informative and extremely helpful. Thank you so much for these informative videos. You are truly helping mankind in a way that very few have. best wishes to you.
Good to hear. I am 6 week post op, at 5 weeks I had to go in to the hospital to have my knee manipulated. I feel I am back at square one. But, I am trying to remain positive and exercise as prescribed.
Thanks Tony wish I would of seen this 6 months ago, but am doing ok. Last physical therapy appt I was at 126 degrees! I hope that was good! I am walking unsteadily with my cane so still use walker too, a little bit in my house without either. It’s been since December, but it was a different knee revision with 6 inch rods on either side of the knee parts. I am doing well and thanks again for your videos!
This is me. Working my tail off but pretty stuck on flex. 100 pushed. I am functioning better all around. Just concerned about flex. This video makes so much sense. Thank you
Wish I found you after my tkr. I had great range of motion early on but terrible soft tissue pain. I'm almost 2yrs out and had scar tissue removed. Still trying to find comfortable positions. Surgeon only seemed to care about implant and not tissue.. qualify of life has to be an important component..Very frustrating. Found a new surgeon who listened.
I have had to slow down and listen to my body far more through these last two surgeries. I think there is a huge difference in the two processes and your thoughts on this are spot on. Thanks for the info and encouragement.
So so glad I came across you and reading other ppls experiences having TKR. I've had my knee replacement 3wks and 3 days now. Therapist at the hospital gave me a workout plan before I left hospital, I spent 3 days there. I was doing the first 3 basic exercises but not good enough for the therapist he said push and push fight the pain, it felt like my knee and staples were going to explode open and that wasn't even bending knee at 90°. When home my wife helped me with my exercise two of what I couldn't even raise my leg sitting on chair and laying flat on floor raising leg, but she pushed me till I done my first raise. After eventually lifting my leg getting it started I could complete my rep's. On next set it is hard to get leg moving tensing to lift but once lifted it was easier until rest then start again first rep getting started is hard. Basically after having rest between sets its stiff again until I raise leg then I can continue. In the end I thought my wife too was pushing me too hard as I am experiencing aches in my thigh and hip on surgical side. So I decided to do these type of lifting exercise once per day but mix it up with other types that aren't straining types. I've started your learning to walk exercises in your other vid and wow, such improvement . Up until few days ago I was getting depressed in myself thinking I might have to go back to hospital and have surgery or the latest ive heard is they put you a sleep and bend your knee right the way back till it pops apparently it moves the scar tissue. I felt sick at the thought. Looking at this vid has made me feel so much better and other ppls comments In same boat, still a long way to go but feel so much better and not stressing anymore. Thank you so much for all your help and other ppls sharing their experience.
@@mrbtboydify it's like being between the devil and the deep blue sea! If you can make any daily progress tho it helps. Am currently wired up to the TENS machine. I use it once a day. It helps.
At 9 weeks and this is just what I needed to hear. I just went from 90 to 95 and a couple of weeks but it's very slow and my knee feels so very tight. Everything you said here is true. Thank you. I go see my OS in a week and I don't think they'll be happy with that number but it gives me hope to see this video. I'm 72 and I'm doing everything that I possibly can to get this knee to be the best it can be. No unrealistic expectations but will definitely fight for the best I can get.
I was out of the hospital 12 hours after the operation. I was still drugged up and any expert advice I received was pretty muddled in my memory. So I watched youtube videos and had the impression I should stretch the crap out of the knee. Ignore the pain a push harder. My knee hurts like hell and I think I was doing too much. I think I will back it off - I have to anyway, it hurts too much. Thanks for the video.
It is a constantly changing situation. On the good days you can push it a bit, on the bad days just let it recover. Most people I speak with are just too aggressive and once the realize it is okay to take a break they respond really great.
Yes exactly what happen on second knee replacement first was 122 bent 4yrs later right knee 115 bent in 5 days wow I really started going for it then it happen I had to stop my last section I couldn't lift my knee I than over did it what a disappointment thanks for this video I'm going at it a different approach & attitude 👍
Like the information. I had two knee replacement and 2 revisions in both knees. My problem with healing, number 1 depression, 2 developed lymphdema, and I have fibromyalgia also. I’m trying to fight through the pain, but it’s difficult when I’m sedentary after I retired from nursing 10 years ago. I’m trying to fight back with pain and depression due to being discouraged especially at my age. Your videos are helping me get through working on moving the knee from last surgery in August 2020. Thanks for information, it’s helpful.
At the physio rehabilition hospital I stayed at after my bilateral replacements we were push beyond belief. Physio twice a day 7 days a week and now that I'm home and thanks to your clips I'm having a rest day but with going for my walks every day.
Thank you so much for this video. I've had a total knee replacement 4 weeks ago. I've been told I have to push through the pain during exercises and later to increase range of motion, etc. I'm finding I have to take more pain medication again and I'm in pain more when resting. I thought I might be pushing too hard so I will back off a touch and not push as hard, but keep going mindfully. Do you have a series exercises you have on you tube for after knee replacement?
Girl hang in there because I'm still having problems going for my second surgery to see why it hurts on the the in side it didn't heal on the inside of my knee prays for me 😢
Hi thank you for all the valuable information, it really helps. I am now just past 7 weeks since my knee replacement surgery. How often should do stretching in a day?
This is so true. My TKR was in November. My progress is pretty good and I'm back in the pool exercising and walking. One thing, my calf is bothering me. Maybe its overworked? This video made me think, for sure. Thank you!
Thanks Tony. I have been needing to hear this. I have been really pushing hard the last couple of weeks and I seem to be declining. I'm 6 weeks out. I had a Revision on my right knee. I had both knees done 3.5 years ago. I think the scar tissue is building up faster than I can get my knee to bend. I made it to 104 ROM a week. Every since I have been pushing harder and getting less ROM. I stayed around 90 -94 this week. I really believe I need MUA. When I try to bend my knee or my therapist tries to bend it, it feels like it's going to explode. It gets to a point where it's rock hard and I believe it's scar tissue. But all 3 of my therapist think the MUA is a bad idea. My friends wife was having the exact same symptoms as me. She had her TKR a month before me. Her doctor did the MUA and she has been doing great for over a week now her ROM has been 120-125. I go see my doctor in 2 days for my 6 weeks checkup and I am going to ask him if he will do the MUA. Do you see a lot of people who have trouble after having the MUA? Thanks for sharing your videos!
Once more time thank you very much from Madrid Spain, you are describing me in this video, I hope to have more patience and follow your advice. Fernando.
I know no two cases are alike, but I’ll keep it real. I’m 13 weeks out from my surgery tomorrow, but still have a lot of swelling, stiffness, and warm to the touch with my replaced right knee. I was on Percocet the first week and using a walker, got on ibuprofen the second week, which made me sick, driving again in 4 weeks, worked out at the gym with most of my usual routine on a bike or cross-trainer at 6 weeks, and went back to work at 9 weeks as a chef and still have trouble. It’s not just the replaced knee, but the other knee is unreplaced and just as bad and giving me more trouble than ever. I can do 30-45 minutes on a cross-trainer, do strength training on my upper body, and sit in a sauna for 20 minutes followed by a cold shower and maybe 10 minutes in a hot tub as a bonus. To be more positive, my bend was 129 at my last PT session, but it won’t ever be completely straight and I might just be walking with a limp on it forever. Lacking 9 degrees. You have to be willing to torture yourself the first few weeks to straighten it and I didn’t. And if you need both knees replaced, getting just one done doesn’t take care of it that much. I still limp when I walk.
Having had my left hip replaced May 25 th and the my right knee replaced September 15th I was really interested in your comments on overtraining. We seem to be all calibrated to the theory “no pain, no gain”. As a sports person over many years I have a competitive nature that tells me performance is built on the back of pushing oneself through our comfort level and maintaining a high level of work. At age 62 these past months have shown me the difference between performance training with a reasonably healthy body and recovery and repair after injury.
Thank you for the encouragement it really helps had a bleed 2 days after op had a vac on 2weeks kinda put me back a bit but im not disheartened i will continue with the exercies as i know little by little it will improve as it already has done thanks for the feedback
Thank you Tony you remind me don’t push it I’m 29 days PO I been an Athletic 3/4 of my life and really trying to recover but I know we have a certain point we’re still in healing process, I’ll be going back to work full time soon but will be careful thank u Tony your Awsome
4 weeks in and I have hit the proverbial wall. I’ve gotten up to 105 degrees ROM but it about killed me and I feel I’m regressing. After transiting from a walker to a cane I feel sometimes I need to be back on the walker just because of the knee buckling and almost falling. I go back and forth between overtraining or it just is what it is. Needless to say it’s a good thing I am by myself because I have been a bear. Thanks for the videos, their a great resource.
Total Therapy Solution - Physical Therapy 10 weeks post today and go for my last therapy session tommorrow. Currently able to use the elliptical, recumbent and finally able to use an upright bike. My flexion is around 123-125. In addition to my therapy exercises I have been able to start back to doing some other strength training in the gym. My therapist is happy with where I am at but I still couldn’t win a foot race at a nursing home but I guess that’s to be expected but still hard to accept being a fifty two year old man that was very active before this. You’ve been a great resource in a lot of ways not the least of which is the mental aspect so thank you for all you do.
Excellent video It was very very helpful at my stage. I am 5 weeks PO from Bilateral and was pushing to hard and letting PT to discourage me. I need to rest more in btw and let body recover. Pre surgery my normal was to push unless I dropped. Way past the point I should have stopped. Thanks so much for this factual video!
71 year old male. TKR 11/4/21. Walked 1 1/2 miles on 11/7/21. Have done 45 minutes on spin bike. Monitoring and adjusting approach. Don't do stairs at all because stairs exercises are really bad for knee joints per MD. Range of motion is about 110 but knee us still somewhat swollen. Have been walking 1.5 miles per day but now think that amount of walking is too stressful fir tge knee at this point in the process. I tend to "listen to" my body and make needed adjustments but do push to be actively engaged in my total recovery.
Wow! Ive been beating myself up last 2 weeks (week 6 now). My PT has been performing aggressive bending of my knee under the chair. When I plead to stop and tell her I’m in sharp pain and nauseated, her reply , yes you need this to get to 125 degrees. I am 106 as she forces my knee back. I felt good before this PT no i have 2 days of swelling of knee and thigh as well as sharp pains and pain awakening my sleep. Before this painful bending i do my 19 exercises 2x/day, however after this , NONE. I cancelled my session today and next is Friday. She isn’t listening. Thank you for giving patients permission to listen to my body’s time table.
Yes, take a day off occasionally not to say do nothing but cut way back that day and rest. Sleep is in my case the greatest struggle. I had to stop the strong stuff but run a strict regiment on Tylenol, it is working out good. 4 weeks out and beginning to get rest at nite. Try not to sleep during the day it compromises your nite time ability to sleep.
Hi Tony, I’m lying here 4 days out from tar, and being a type a personality, I have definitely pushed too hard, as I was doing my exercises 4 th time around today and it became more and more painful I wondered if I should back off a bit. I imagine it would be different for everyone, but what would you consider to be a reasonable amt in the first week or 2. And should I push each move to the point of uncomfortable.
Hi Debbie, great question. You are right, everyone is different. My best guide is always 1.) Do something to move every 2 hours except when you are trying to sleep. For example, walk to the bathroom, move to a different room, etc. Then 2.) Do something to assess motion twice a day. If your motion is getting worse during the first 10-days that is normal. You are experiencing the swelling and pain from the surgery. But after the first 10 days you should be the same or modestly improving ROM every couple days. It isn't uncommon to get stuck around the 90-deg of flexion ROM, but as long as your ROM isn't getting worse you are doing the right stuff. ... I have never seen anyone who was exercising daily get worse taking 48-hours off of exercising.
Thanks for your reply Tony, I listened to a few of your TH-cam posts on swelling last night and was able to reduce some of the swelling in my knee overnight, as well I will take a day or 2 off from the exercises, and concentrate on movement, elevation and icing, and start again with your more common sense approach to early rehab. Appreciate the great advice!
Not only am I getting help with your videos, but also lots of relief hearing other folks talk about the very things I am going thru! I too have felt the pressure to get my ROM to at least 110-120 by week 8, and fearing scar formation requiring MUA. So I have pushed myself and over done it, now am unable to continue with the exercises for fear of causing further damage as it has now become very painful again. So my question is this, "What do I do now that I have over done it"? I am elevating and icing, but do I continue with mild exercises, or do I rest it for a few days or more? Thanks kindly.
I needed to hear that. I’ve been pushing hard as I want to be better, yet it feels like 2 steps forward then 3 steps back. I push myself to walk on my own yet spend 3 days in pain. I have just begun to give myself a break. Shorter time walking on my own will hopefully bring shorter recovery time. I’m 11 weeks post tkr. My surgeon wants me walking on my own in a week. I need to listen to my body. Hope to get to a cane possibly. I was diagnosed with neuropathy right before surgery. I have other issues to consider. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you, you are brilliant at what you do. I am 6 weeks post partial knee replacement , I worry I am too keen to get back to normal and pushing myself too hard. Weeping and pushing myself doing physio 😭😂😂.
Hi doctor, I have a question. I had a right knee arthroscopy 6 months ago. My surgeon told me that i did not need a physical therapy so i did not take one. Is it normal to get mechanical symptoms often? This is my main question. But I also get my knee so stiff and it hurts almost every day. Can you give me some advice please? I will appreciate it so much. Thank you
I stumbled across this video. I'm one month out from tkr. I was determined to push myself to get ahead of the recovery curve. I hit a wall and had to stop for two days to let myself recover. After that I've now dialed back the exercise program. I now exercise to the point of fatigue, then ice my knee. And I don't feel like I'm cheating myself. Recovery will proceed at the pace I can handle.
I am now 6 weeks out from surgery. My arthritis was related to a motorcycle accident when I was 19 during which I had severe injury and multiple fractures in food, tibia, fibula and femur. I still have a steel plate screwed to my femur. It has been the most pain I have ever experienced since my original accident almost 50 years ago. I am normally very active and athletic and am trying to get back to that baseline. Your videos have been so helpful and encouraging to me. You have answered many questions I’ve had that weren’t answered by my current PT. About lateral knee and leg pain, sciatica and hip pain. You’re the best. Thank you for your encouragement and expertise.
Thank you. I needed this today. 9 weeks out. All the things mentioned it help me not to get upset about range of motion. 110 to 113.
Today, I said I'm taking a break. Tomorrow is rherapy. Thankyou for all you do. You've been helping me stay level-headed. Just so you know... I truly appreciate your time and effort you give to the people you train.
Wish there were more like you. That don't push so hard...just saying.
Thankyou 😊❤
Hello , I am 71 , had tkr 7 weeks ago. Prior to surgery I was very active , biking 14 miles a day. My injury was from an old wrestling injury in high school. I have been very lucky with recovery due to prior activity and normal weight. I used a walker 1 day and a cane 2 days except to go to the bathroom at night. I have had very little pain. Did. Physical therapy at home, later at an office for 3 visits. Able to walk up and down stairs normally, go for walks in the woods, and ride a bike, slowly, for 6 miles. I really enjoy your videos. You answer many questions that pop up during the recovery . Thanks
I so needed this attitude adjustment! I am a type A person who pushes myself a bit much. Also a retired RN and a horrible patient. What a twit I am🙄
What you shared in this video is straight logic and science and I am going to try to do my PT in a much more measured way with proper expectations.
Thank you so very much, you are a blessing😊
Thank you speaking out for the balanced view. The body has been assaulted by the TKR procedure. It NEEDS TO HEAL. Exercise is great, but it needs to be kept in perspective against the background of tissue trauma. More frequent, lower intensity workouts are far better than the "no pain, no gain" strenuous approach.
I needed this. After many videos telling me that I must be walking without aid, no limp by such-and-such or the comments from people doing 110° by week 2 etc.
It’s good to remember that I’m recovering from a major, highly invasive procedure and I’m going to take time to heal.
HiTony, I had a TKR on 4th February 2023, I have been doing well at home ( NHS doesn’t provide a trainer) I have just recently had my follow-up appointment and it was suggested I attend a knee/hip recovery group exercise class at the Hospital, I attended the class, I did 1 hour of various exercises, I expressed my concern to our trainer that some of the exercises were very difficult, he said you have to push through the pain, it is 5 Days sinse the class, I have been in so much pain and am now limping again, I am not going to the class next week, I have decided giving my body time to heal and get back to where I was before the class, I will go back to the class in a few weeks time however I intend to work at my own pace, thank you Tony much appreciated Hannah🙏☘️💚
I just got a new knee 5 weeks ago. I am so grateful to find your channel it has helped me beyond measure!
Thankyou for this very useful information . I am 3 months into my recovery and set myself back by overdoing stretches 2 weeks ago . I still have lots of swelling and pain but l have had to accept the truth told to my by my surgeon tbat it could take 12 months to fully recover. The hardest part is the realization that EVERY knee replacement is different for every patient. It is so difficult when people say to you "oh you are still limping " as you struggle with a walking stich after 3 months. I am rethinking the whole recovery process and your advice is very timely for me thanks so much.
This was so good to hear, 6weeks since my tkr, and I was doing fine but the last few days have been terrible , and I realize its because I am pushing myself to hard to get back to normal, so today I'm going to rest my self , give my body a chance to get better, thanks for all your advice , best wishes
Yep. Our bodies are amazing but they need rest as much as exercises.
@@totaltherapysolutions thanks ,I need to do a wee bit less and rest my leg a bit more
Exactly my case now I will do slightly slow and take rest
Tony, This video really helps. Understanding what other people are going through made all the difference for me through your videos. I am four weeks out from my knee replacement. I’m starting to sleep better, but I get tired easily. Knowing that what I am going through is normal takes a load off me. I’m going to let my body heal and have peace with it. I’ll keep the Exercise going but realize this is not a triathlon.
Love this video! Oh, how I wish I had found you & especially wish I had heard this video before my first knee replacement last Jan. 2. I expected WAY too much of myself from the first day I went to PT, and I felt my PT expected way too much as well. Had hoped to be able to bend my new knee to 90 degrees the first day. Turns out the best I could get was 77 degrees. I realize now that I was depressed from the first day forward until PT graduated me at 9 1/2 weeks. I felt like a failure that entire time which did nothing to help my recovery! I definitely lost my appetite for wks & wks. Lost a lot of weight! After 6 wks, no more pain prescription refills, I basically, did not sleep hardly at all at night due to pain/ discomfort whatever you wanna call it! Therefore, more depressive, etc. Praise God, at 11 1/2 wks, I bam slept all night! That didn’t happen every night after that but I began to be able to sleep more & more. Know
Now
Now at 5 1/2 mos, I can walk a mile at a fairly good pace and I sleep at night! Will have 2nd replacement, hopefully, next Feb., depends on what is going on w/COVID! Ugh!!! Thanks to you and my first hand experience, this should go a lot easier! I will give myself time and not stress out! THANK YOU!!!!!!
It has been great hearing your success. Slow and steady wins the race. Keep it up.
Total Therapy Solution - Physical Therapy, it’s great that I will have your support through the next one, too!
My new left knee is 7 weeks old. I have managed to walk without support but I walk with a limp, short range extension and pain below the knee cap. What can I do to improve.
Get your knee done in the same year the co pays and out of pocket are all paid up! 🤷🏻♂️ That’s what Ive done this year. Revision on the right knee in late May and the total on the left in early August! I’m getting around OK now with the Right leg really well and the left total is still recovering! But I’m glad I’ve done it! I wanted it in Feb and June but Covid! 🤷🏻♂️
@@danielbolo6468 I don’t know if you have improved with your limping but this video is exactly what got me limp free at five weeks
th-cam.com/video/aj_6LarYLSs/w-d-xo.html
This is good to hear. I’m doing good at 4 weeks with great ROM, but as I pushed the knee began to hurt more than ever. Now I’m giving myself a rest day once a week, and going more gentle stretches. The whole reason for doing a TNR was quality of life.
I just had my other knee replaced in September. I can tell you that this new knee is not responding to therapy as well as my other knee did.
I can tell you that I have been over raining. I just realized that about two weeks ago. I am now taking it much slower.
As far as the surgery itself, I compare it to controlled trauma. The basically destroy you knee then rebuild it.
I also learned, the hard way, even though my two knees are part of MY body, they do NOT respond the same.
Great vid. Thanks.
Thank you for this!! I’m 6 weeks today and making progress every day. It might be small but moving in the right direction and honoring my body and the healing process.
Totally agree I went over the top om recovery and went BACKWARDS!!!!!, just changed tactics
That’s what happened to me. Surgeon thinks I got tendonitis. I’m at 10 weeks tomorrow and alsoI’m at physio tomorrow as I can’t bend or straighten as much as I could at 7 weeks po. I am so fed up now 😢😢😢
Im a year late for this clip, but boy o boy am i happy i watched it. You were so on cue with this advice. You described me to a T. Im gonna slow dwn, listen to my body. Its been 4 mths post tkr and im frustrated with my recovery. Ive this many times since you popped into my notifications, wish you were here in Chicago! But, fortunately i have you on youtube, thanx Tony, if you only knew how much youve helped me. Feels like ive known you forever! Keep these clips coming, i really need em!
I wish you were my PT too 🙏
Thanks for that! Hopefully these videos will help you too.
Absolutely excellent advice about not focusing on the numbers and listening to your body. My numbers can vary wildly throughout a 24 hour period, yet I eventually make progress. Thank you for your great advice and expertise! I'm on TKR number two, and your videos are very helpful!
Thank you so much for this. All of the symptoms of overdoing....I'm feeling. Now I realize I'm not going crazy and I dont need pain to get better I'm pushing way too hard and its making me miserable in all areas of my life... I'm chilling and slowing down to get myself back. Again, thanks so much
God bless you for this information. I am 5 weeks post surgery and this video helped me so much with what I am experiencing.
You make a positive difference in the world. Thank you and keep up the great wor 0:02 k.
This was great news to me. Accurate description of the mental ups n downs. I think my young PTs are trying to make me overachieve by pushing to pain limit, then a bit more-OUCH!
I AM BACKING OFF THIS PAINFUL APPROACH TODAY!
69 yrs old-3.5 weeks I am at 1* /118* …….I can walk like the Real McCoy-Thanks for the great and reassuring videos you post!!
How timely! I overdid yesterday (my home PT) up-ed my repeats to 100. So I broke it down to two sessions of 50. I takes me 95 minutes to complete one session. And I did standing on my toes whilst lifting my heals- 100x. Last night I was in so much pain n today too. Piercing pains. I never had this at all. Today, I m just resting- no exercise. I m 32 days Post op. So now I shall break it down to 3-4 sessions. Thanks Anthony! Btw, your are not just reasonably good. You are ABSOFANTABULOUS. (Absolutely fantastic n fabulous)❤️- KL, Malaysia.
These videos have helped me so much.. greatly appreciate!!!
Your videos are so very helpful and reassuring that I’m on the right path. You are the only PT on TH-cam that I would trust. Thanks for all your help!!!
steting my third week in after tkrhad one done a year the 1oth of dec no com parison this latest one has just about broke me this video helped me a lot thank you
I did way too much without recovering and it resulted in my muscles becoming so tight that it caused major pain, swelling and took so much longer to gain range of motion. Now I am 5 mos and have been having dry needling to release my muscles along with gentle strengthening only twice per week. Recovery is so important. This video is very helpful!
Thank you so much, I had surgery 11 weeks ago and I think after listening to you I have pushed to hard. I still hurt and one hour on my feet is all I can do.
So helpful. That's what I did a week ago. I tried to push too hard. Thank you for this information.
Glad it was helpful! How are you doing now? Is the pain improving? I am referring to your other comment from the pain video.
Wish you were my PT. Mine thought it was ok to push down on my knee so hard I had tears. Then bend my leg so hard that again tears came!!!!! After an MUA I still didn't do better. My knee swelled up so much I was back to square one. My doctor blamed me and ordered 4 more weeks of PT. Then he said I guess I should see you after that. Needless to say, I never went back!! You nailed it! I had all your systems!
@@lindahughes5781 -no way is anyone pushing down on my knee 😩
You are awesome 👌 I will take it easy from now on. I'm at week 9 and bending 80-85 degrees. I am a Nurse and extremely anxious to go back to work. Thanks for all your advice, I will relax and allow the healing process to continue without force.
Thank you! Im 4 weeks out from tkr and Im struggling w range of motion, despite doing PT and home exercises, etc. Sleep is rough still. Nutrition great reminder for me and not over doing exercise...I needed to hear that we all get range of motion back on own time and to our own degree bc Ive been feeling frustrated that only at 101 at 4 weeks (pushing knee). I had lost range prior and surgeon explained this was going to be challenge for me. Im hopeful I will be doing circuit classes & figure skating again soon..Thank you!
Thanks so much for this video! And for your others. This is spot on for my case. I am a little over 12 weeks post TKR. At 2 weeks with a lot of daily work I could get 90 degrees flexion. But 12 weeks later I have made very little progress. Because of Covid I am not in any organized PT since 2 weeks post op. Thanks to all your and other great videos I am able to do PT on my own, although I do not think it has been as effective. When I wake up I am always back to about 75 degrees. After pushing the therapy pretty much all day I am at 90 to 95 at 5 PM. All of the symptoms from the web site are spot on. Throw stay at home for covid in as well. My mental fortitude is challenged every day. The lack of flexion is extremely frustrating as I have been working hard on it. I had an extra articular ACL repair about 37 years ago. Although my knee had great flexion the pain was terrible. My doc chose to leave all the old hardware and repair in place when he put in my new knee. I wonder if this is part of my hurdle? I can finally detect minute improvements. A week or so ago I decided to back off the home PT and work. I believe my PT was causing swelling and pain. Hopefully I won't back up.
On a side note. One stretch I discovered that seems to help is with the aid of a dining table chair. It is the perfect height for me. I bend the knee and put my foot over the seat of the chair.my foot is hang in off one side of the seat while my knee is resting on the other. I slowly work on standing straight up until I can achieve 90 degrees. It generally h takes several reps lasting 10 to 15 minutes to get to 90.
Wow. Thanks for all the details. Slow and steady. Sounds like you are doing everything right. Just give yourself a little time.
This is so like me I am 12 weeks post op
Thank you so much Tony
It’s three months I had my knee replacement
I get worried about my range of motion.
Your explanation is absolutely helpful 😊
I agree wholeheartedly. Listen to your body.
Thanks Myron
Such an important video. Been struggling with the one step forward two steps back phenomenon and the resulting frustration. Hopefully, I can take your advice to heart, Tony!
1000% agree with you, thank you!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m 2 weeks out and hearing you validate the pressure I’m getting from my surgeon and cutting myself some slack. Thank you.
I am sure you are doing incredible. Thanks for the comments and feedback.
Same. So much pressure! They are trying to avoid a MUA op tho. Hydrotherapy is good if you can get it.
Thank you for all your great videos! I have learned so much from them. Your patients are very lucky to have such a kind, caring physical therapist. My therapists are obsessed with numbers. They made me feel like a failure because I couldn’t get to 90° ROM at 2 weeks post surgery. They’ve treated me like my TKR was for normal wear & tear, but my issue was actually congenital. Even though I am behind on their idea of ROM schedule, I know from watching your videos that there is hope & I’m getting there. It’s been ~ 3 1/2 weeks & I am at 103 ROM. I can get to 110 ROM when they push my leg into flexion, which I hate & dread that technique every visit. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thank you so much for this video. I wish this video would be a requirement to listen to before surgery, right after and during recovery.
Thanks so much Tony for all your videos. They are an immense help to all of us going through a TKR. I’m 2 weeks 5 days out and my personality is that I’ve always pushed myself. I’ve been very active my whole life, taught fitness classes, used to run, bike a lot, speed walking and I’m a normal weight. I thought I’d bounce right back. Looking for a miracle and you’ve helped keep me grounded and for that & all the help your videos are I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Keep up the great work that you do! And I will do my best to take your advice, I know you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks Barbara! I appreciate the kind words and I wish you the best.
Hi Tony, that definitely describes me. Learning so much from you. Thank you.
I always appreciate the feedback.
I have definitely had a decline in improvement from doing too much. It goes like this: I wake up and the swelling seems less; ROM is greater, so mood is up. So i up the ante on all the exercises: Up goes the swelling, down goes the ROM and my mood! I so wanted zero degrees extension by today, six weeks post op. You hear that you only have 6 weeks to get it so you push. You are btwn a rock and a hard place. My flexion was great at a week post op., but my extension was 2 inches off the ground, and now (after lots of physio) a mere 1 inch. Feel like i am never going to get there and my window-of-opportunity is missed.
You are right, Sir.I myself have experienced that overdoing the excercises only delays recovery time.
I recently had a TKR and your videos were informative and extremely helpful. Thank you so much for these informative videos. You are truly helping mankind in a way that very few have. best wishes to you.
Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement!
Thanks Tony for the awesome videos and great feedback on what to do in terms of a good recovery.
Good to hear. I am 6 week post op, at 5 weeks I had to go in to the hospital to have my knee manipulated. I feel I am back at square one. But, I am trying to remain positive and exercise as prescribed.
Thanks Tony wish I would of seen this 6 months ago, but am doing ok. Last physical therapy appt I was at 126 degrees! I hope that was good! I am walking unsteadily with my cane so still use walker too, a little bit in my house without either. It’s been since December, but it was a different knee revision with 6 inch rods on either side of the knee parts. I am doing well and thanks again for your videos!
Thanks again for the pep talk😊 Thank-you for beginning here for us!
You are so welcome!
I keep coming back to this sane advice, when Im wondering what I did wrong m. Thank you
Hi Carol, thanks for the kind words. Hope you are doing well.
This is me. Working my tail off but pretty stuck on flex. 100 pushed. I am functioning better all around. Just concerned about flex. This video makes so much sense. Thank you
Thanks. The magic happens in the recovery. We need time to recover.
Wish I found you after my tkr. I had great range of motion early on but terrible soft tissue pain. I'm almost 2yrs out and had scar tissue removed. Still trying to find comfortable positions. Surgeon only seemed to care about implant and not tissue.. qualify of life has to be an important component..Very frustrating. Found a new surgeon who listened.
Any updates? Sorry, I have been trying to keep up with the comments.
@@totaltherapysolutions started therapy again. Pt says my hip and muscles down thigh very tight. Keeping fingers crossed. Thanks
I have had to slow down and listen to my body far more through these last two surgeries. I think there is a huge difference in the two processes and your thoughts on this are spot on. Thanks for the info and encouragement.
Steve, how is your knee doing today? Did you get full range of motion back by listening to this advice?
So so glad I came across you and reading other ppls experiences having TKR.
I've had my knee replacement 3wks and 3 days now.
Therapist at the hospital gave me a workout plan before I left hospital, I spent 3 days there. I was doing the first 3 basic exercises but not good enough for the therapist he said push and push fight the pain, it felt like my knee and staples were going to explode open and that wasn't even bending knee at 90°. When home my wife helped me with my exercise two of what I couldn't even raise my leg sitting on chair and laying flat on floor raising leg, but she pushed me till I done my first raise. After eventually lifting my leg getting it started I could complete my rep's. On next set it is hard to get leg moving tensing to lift but once lifted it was easier until rest then start again first rep getting started is hard. Basically after having rest between sets its stiff again until I raise leg then I can continue. In the end I thought my wife too was pushing me too hard as I am experiencing aches in my thigh and hip on surgical side. So I decided to do these type of lifting exercise once per day but mix it up with other types that aren't straining types. I've started your learning to walk exercises in your other vid and wow, such improvement .
Up until few days ago I was getting depressed in myself thinking I might have to go back to hospital and have surgery or the latest ive heard is they put you a sleep and bend your knee right the way back till it pops apparently it moves the scar tissue. I felt sick at the thought. Looking at this vid has made me feel so much better and other ppls comments In same boat, still a long way to go but feel so much better and not stressing anymore. Thank you so much for all your help and other ppls sharing their experience.
All this physio is knackering also because before op, i wasn't even fit.
@@bt9124 I wasn't fit cos both knees are so bad. Couldn't walk properly causing hip pain.
@@mrbtboydify it's like being between the devil and the deep blue sea! If you can make any daily progress tho it helps. Am currently wired up to the TENS machine. I use it once a day. It helps.
Thanks, just what I needed to hear.
Thanks for sharing.
At 9 weeks and this is just what I needed to hear. I just went from 90 to 95 and a couple of weeks but it's very slow and my knee feels so very tight. Everything you said here is true. Thank you. I go see my OS in a week and I don't think they'll be happy with that number but it gives me hope to see this video. I'm 72 and I'm doing everything that I possibly can to get this knee to be the best it can be. No unrealistic expectations but will definitely fight for the best I can get.
How is your recovery going now Sue, did your knee eventually get to full flexion/extension?
I was out of the hospital 12 hours after the operation. I was still drugged up and any expert advice I received was pretty muddled in my memory. So I watched youtube videos and had the impression I should stretch the crap out of the knee. Ignore the pain a push harder. My knee hurts like hell and I think I was doing too much. I think I will back it off - I have to anyway, it hurts too much. Thanks for the video.
It is a constantly changing situation. On the good days you can push it a bit, on the bad days just let it recover. Most people I speak with are just too aggressive and once the realize it is okay to take a break they respond really great.
@@totaltherapysolutions Thank you so much for the advice.
Very good and informative video. Thank you.
Thanks for this talk. I’m at 7 wks but doing ok .
Yes exactly what happen on second knee replacement first was 122 bent 4yrs later right knee 115 bent in 5 days wow I really started going for it then it happen I had to stop my last section I couldn't lift my knee I than over did it what a disappointment thanks for this video I'm going at it a different approach & attitude 👍
Thanks Tony!
Like the information. I had two knee replacement and 2 revisions in both knees. My problem with healing, number 1 depression, 2 developed lymphdema, and I have fibromyalgia also. I’m trying to fight through the pain, but it’s difficult when I’m sedentary after I retired from nursing 10 years ago. I’m trying to fight back with pain and depression due to being discouraged especially at my age. Your videos are helping me get through working on moving the knee from last surgery in August 2020. Thanks for information, it’s helpful.
Thanks so much for the feedback. Your comment and share is appreciated by me and may help others dealing with the same challenges.
At the physio rehabilition hospital I stayed at after my bilateral replacements we were push beyond belief.
Physio twice a day 7 days a week and now that I'm home and thanks to your clips I'm having a rest day but with going for my walks every day.
You hit the nail on the head. I thought you made this video just for me
Thanks I will try to remember this when I have my surgery.
It’s been almost 3 months and I am still experiencing pain behind the knee upper calf area. Why?
Thank you so much for this video. I've had a total knee replacement 4 weeks ago. I've been told I have to push through the pain during exercises and later to increase range of motion, etc. I'm finding I have to take more pain medication again and I'm in pain more when resting. I thought I might be pushing too hard so I will back off a touch and not push as hard, but keep going mindfully. Do you have a series exercises you have on you tube for after knee replacement?
I definitely appreciate your videos...I'm having knee replacement surgery on Feb 8 and trying to learn all I can.. 💗
Thanks so much for watching and commenting. Keep us posted on your recovery!
@@totaltherapysolutions yes, definitely..thank you!
Girl hang in there because I'm still having problems going for my second surgery to see why it hurts on the the in side it didn't heal on the inside of my knee prays for me 😢
I love your videos and and all good stuff you information has been great help.thanks
Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.
Hi thank you for all the valuable information, it really helps. I am now just past 7 weeks since my knee replacement surgery. How often should do stretching in a day?
Thanks for this advice 🙂 I needed to hear this. I am five weeks out of surgery and just want back to normal. This helps me be patience with myself 😃
Thank you for the compassion.
This is so true. My TKR was in November. My progress is pretty good and I'm back in the pool exercising and walking. One thing, my calf is bothering me. Maybe its overworked? This video made me think, for sure. Thank you!
You are awesome, listening to your talk encouraging my present situation. Thank you. God keeps you more insperational.
Thanks Tony. I have been needing to hear this. I have been really pushing hard the last couple of weeks and I seem to be declining. I'm 6 weeks out. I had a Revision on my right knee. I had both knees done 3.5 years ago. I think the scar tissue is building up faster than I can get my knee to bend. I made it to 104 ROM a week. Every since I have been pushing harder and getting less ROM. I stayed around 90 -94 this week. I really believe I need MUA. When I try to bend my knee or my therapist tries to bend it, it feels like it's going to explode. It gets to a point where it's rock hard and I believe it's scar tissue. But all 3 of my therapist think the MUA is a bad idea. My friends wife was having the exact same symptoms as me. She had her TKR a month before me. Her doctor did the MUA and she has been doing great for over a week now her ROM has been 120-125. I go see my doctor in 2 days for my 6 weeks checkup and I am going to ask him if he will do the MUA. Do you see a lot of people who have trouble after having the MUA? Thanks for sharing your videos!
My knee keeps swelling up shortly after it gets drained of fluid. Should I get a MRI to see what is going on before a TKR
Once more time thank you very much from Madrid Spain, you are describing me in this video, I hope to have more patience and follow your advice. Fernando.
I know no two cases are alike, but I’ll keep it real. I’m 13 weeks out from my surgery tomorrow, but still have a lot of swelling, stiffness, and warm to the touch with my replaced right knee. I was on Percocet the first week and using a walker, got on ibuprofen the second week, which made me sick, driving again in 4 weeks, worked out at the gym with most of my usual routine on a bike or cross-trainer at 6 weeks, and went back to work at 9 weeks as a chef and still have trouble. It’s not just the replaced knee, but the other knee is unreplaced and just as bad and giving me more trouble than ever. I can do 30-45 minutes on a cross-trainer, do strength training on my upper body, and sit in a sauna for 20 minutes followed by a cold shower and maybe 10 minutes in a hot tub as a bonus.
To be more positive, my bend was 129 at my last PT session, but it won’t ever be completely straight and I might just be walking with a limp on it forever. Lacking 9 degrees. You have to be willing to torture yourself the first few weeks to straighten it and I didn’t. And if you need both knees replaced, getting just one done doesn’t take care of it that much. I still limp when I walk.
Having had my left hip replaced May 25 th and the my right knee replaced September 15th I was really interested in your comments on overtraining. We seem to be all calibrated to the theory “no pain, no gain”. As a sports person over many years I have a competitive nature that tells me performance is built on the back of pushing oneself through our comfort level and maintaining a high level of work.
At age 62 these past months have shown me the difference between performance training with a reasonably healthy body and recovery and repair after injury.
Thank you for the encouragement it really helps had a bleed 2 days after op had a vac on 2weeks kinda put me back a bit but im not disheartened i will continue with the exercies as i know little by little it will improve as it already has done thanks for the feedback
Thanks for the comment. Sounds like you are a strong person and won't let this stop you.
Thank you Tony you remind me don’t push it I’m 29 days PO I been an Athletic 3/4 of my life and really trying to recover but I know we have a certain point we’re still in healing process, I’ll be going back to work full time soon but will be careful thank u Tony your Awsome
4 weeks in and I have hit the proverbial wall. I’ve gotten up to 105 degrees ROM but it about killed me and I feel I’m regressing. After transiting from a walker to a cane I feel sometimes I need to be back on the walker just because of the knee buckling and almost falling. I go back and forth between overtraining or it just is what it is. Needless to say it’s a good thing I am by myself because I have been a bear. Thanks for the videos, their a great resource.
Any updates? It has been a month. How are you doing now? Did you climb that wall?
Total Therapy Solution - Physical Therapy 10 weeks post today and go for my last therapy session tommorrow. Currently able to use the elliptical, recumbent and finally able to use an upright bike. My flexion is around 123-125. In addition to my therapy exercises I have been able to start back to doing some other strength training in the gym. My therapist is happy with where I am at but I still couldn’t win a foot race at a nursing home but I guess that’s to be expected but still hard to accept being a fifty two year old man that was very active before this. You’ve been a great resource in a lot of ways not the least of which is the mental aspect so thank you for all you do.
Excellent video It was very very helpful at my stage. I am 5 weeks PO from Bilateral and was pushing to hard and letting PT to discourage me. I need to rest more in btw and let body recover. Pre surgery my normal was to push unless I dropped. Way past the point I should have stopped.
Thanks so much for this factual video!
Thank you i just love your video’s. They all make sense
71 year old male. TKR 11/4/21. Walked 1 1/2 miles on 11/7/21. Have done 45 minutes on spin bike. Monitoring and adjusting approach. Don't do stairs at all because stairs exercises are really bad for knee joints per MD. Range of motion is about 110 but knee us still somewhat swollen. Have been walking 1.5 miles per day but now think that amount of walking is too stressful fir tge knee at this point in the process. I tend to "listen to" my body and make needed adjustments but do push to be actively engaged in my total recovery.
Thank you very much for your help with understanding what is going on.
Post TKR 6/21/21
Thank You ! I thought I was going nuts.
Wow! Ive been beating myself up last 2 weeks (week 6 now). My PT has been performing aggressive bending of my knee under the chair. When I plead to stop and tell her I’m in sharp pain and nauseated, her reply , yes you need this to get to 125 degrees. I am 106 as she forces my knee back. I felt good before this PT no i have 2 days of swelling of knee and thigh as well as sharp pains and pain awakening my sleep. Before this painful bending i do my 19 exercises 2x/day, however after this , NONE. I cancelled my session today and next is Friday. She isn’t listening. Thank you for giving patients permission to listen to my body’s time table.
Yes, take a day off occasionally not to say do nothing but cut way back that day and rest. Sleep is in my case the greatest struggle. I had to stop the strong stuff but run a strict regiment on Tylenol, it is working out good. 4 weeks out and beginning to get rest at nite. Try not to sleep during the day it compromises your nite time ability to sleep.
Hi Tony, I’m lying here 4 days out from tar, and being a type a personality, I have definitely pushed too hard, as I was doing my exercises 4 th time around today and it became more and more painful I wondered if I should back off a bit.
I imagine it would be different for everyone, but what would you consider to be a reasonable amt in the first week or 2. And should I push each move to the point of uncomfortable.
Hi Debbie, great question. You are right, everyone is different. My best guide is always 1.) Do something to move every 2 hours except when you are trying to sleep. For example, walk to the bathroom, move to a different room, etc.
Then 2.) Do something to assess motion twice a day. If your motion is getting worse during the first 10-days that is normal. You are experiencing the swelling and pain from the surgery. But after the first 10 days you should be the same or modestly improving ROM every couple days. It isn't uncommon to get stuck around the 90-deg of flexion ROM, but as long as your ROM isn't getting worse you are doing the right stuff.
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I have never seen anyone who was exercising daily get worse taking 48-hours off of exercising.
Thanks for your reply Tony, I listened to a few of your TH-cam posts on swelling last night and was able to reduce some of the swelling in my knee overnight, as well I will take a day or 2 off from the exercises, and concentrate on movement, elevation and icing, and start again with your more common sense approach to early rehab. Appreciate the great advice!
Love your videos mate. Keep up the good work 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Not only am I getting help with your videos, but also lots of relief hearing other folks talk about the very things I am going thru!
I too have felt the pressure to get my ROM to at least 110-120 by week 8, and fearing scar formation requiring MUA. So I have pushed myself and over done it, now am unable to continue with the exercises for fear of causing further damage as it has now become very painful again.
So my question is this, "What do I do now that I have over done it"? I am elevating and icing, but do I continue with mild exercises, or do I rest it for a few days or more?
Thanks kindly.
I needed to hear that. I’ve been pushing hard as I want to be better, yet it feels like 2 steps forward then 3 steps back. I push myself to walk on my own yet spend 3 days in pain. I have just begun to give myself a break. Shorter time walking on my own will hopefully bring shorter recovery time. I’m 11 weeks post tkr. My surgeon wants me walking on my own in a week. I need to listen to my body. Hope to get to a cane possibly. I was diagnosed with neuropathy right before surgery. I have other issues to consider. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you, you are brilliant at what you do. I am 6 weeks post partial knee replacement , I worry I am too keen to get back to normal and pushing myself too hard. Weeping and pushing myself doing physio 😭😂😂.
Thanks your videos are so helpful
This helped me a lot, thank you so much !
Thanks
Welcome
Hi doctor,
I have a question. I had a right knee arthroscopy 6 months ago. My surgeon told me that i did not need a physical therapy so i did not take one. Is it normal to get mechanical symptoms often? This is my main question. But I also get my knee so stiff and it hurts almost every day. Can you give me some advice please? I will appreciate it so much. Thank you
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