Knee Replacement - Frustrated by Lack of Progress: "What should I do?"
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ย. 2024
- This video features Tony Maritato, a licensed physical therapist, responding to a viewer's query about challenges faced 11 months post total knee replacement surgery. Tony provides an in-depth analysis of the viewer's symptoms, including swelling, pain in walking, and a clunking sensation in the knee. He discusses the potential causes of these symptoms, such as immune response issues, lymphatic system damage, or instability in the knee's supporting structure. Tony emphasizes understanding the individual's personality type to tailor rehabilitation and treatment recommendations effectively. He suggests consulting with a lymphedema specialist and a therapist with a biomechanical background to address the swelling and clunking issues, respectively. The video is highly informative, focusing on the importance of a personalized approach in post-surgery rehabilitation.
Who May Benefit:
Individuals who have undergone knee replacement surgery, especially those experiencing similar post-operative symptoms such as swelling, pain, or unusual sensations in the knee.
Physical therapists and other healthcare professionals seeking insights into personalized patient care and the complexities of post-surgical rehabilitation.
People interested in understanding more about the recovery process after knee replacement surgery and the factors that can affect it, such as immune responses and lymphatic system health.
Why They Would Benefit:
Post-operative patients can gain a deeper understanding of their symptoms and potential next steps for consultation and treatment.
Healthcare professionals can learn from Tony's approach to personalized patient care and the consideration of individual personality types in treatment planning.
Those interested in the subject will find the video educational, offering a clear explanation of complex medical concepts related to knee surgery recovery.
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About the author:
Hi, my name is Anthony (Tony) Maritato, PT. I am a licensed physical therapist and owner of Total Therapy Solutions. I have specialized in helping clients recover from total knee replacement surgery since 2002 and have created this video to help YOU.
Total Therapy Solutions
5900 Long Meadow Dr
Middletown, OH 45005
(513) 539-2886
You’re not the only one. I thought I had written this😮. I’m almost 2. 5 years in and it has been a horror show. Had so much pain and swelling it took almost a year to sleep through the night. Had almost no follow-up. On pain meds a long time and only now just occasionally. Did a ton of research. Had x- rays and twice looked at for infection. Had to have knee manipulation and after that it swelled so bad my physical therapist said he couldn’t touch me. Doctor kept changing appts. and wouldn’t see me. I fired the doctor and went through hell to find another one. Shades of Seinfeld 😢. My other knee has gotten so bad and am fearful to have it done. Now started with another PT. I have to say I am getting improvement in stabilization in the knees back. Have figured out the stronger my non surgical leg is getting I can walk without pain in that knee. Hoping it will work for the surgical side. Imperative to be on an anti-inflammatory diet. Arthritis is much better now. I still have a lot of pain in the surgical knee when getting up and also getting in and out of the car. Have been practicing tightening my leg muscles from the knee down every time I get up and when walking. Big improvement in 3 weeks. I’m not giving up. I have fibromyalgia but am doing okay. I’m only 70 and still have a lot to do. Praise Jesus. Will be praying for you.
I feel for you.I had 3 manipulations done on my knee.To this day I only have a 63°bend in my knee.I was off work and having PT for 6 months before my Dr. Would let me go back to work.This was back in 2008.Now my right knee is acting up but I dontvwant to go through all thatvagain.So I'm walking on crutches for 2 years now.
I just passed the 5 week mark of a TKR on my left knee. I watch these videos and read the comments and I am just shocked it how much pain so many people are in after their surgery. I honestly have to say that I truly believe it is the surgeon and hospital that you pick. I am 55 years old… my knee was bone on bone for two years prior to my surgery with arthritis, chipped bones floating and bone spurs. I am lucky enough to live in New York City and went to HSS (Hospital for Special Surgery) Dr. Alejandro Della Valle was my surgeon. I thank God every day that I went to this man. I never had any pain after the surgery… I had PT at home for the first 2 weeks… I now go to outside PT 3x a week. I was walking without a walker or cane by the end of week 2. don’t get me wrong, you have to put in the work… But your surgeon is a big part of your recovery. I highly suggest really researching your surgeon and hospital…. Two friends of mine went elsewhere and they are having a lot of problems.
Totally agree with you. Do the research it’s your knee. Pick the right doctor and PT. I started PT the day after surgery. No muscle cutting, no tourniquet, no general anesthesia (spinal). All a game changer. I was kneeling at 6 weeks. While there was swelling, very little to no pain for me. I realize everyone is different. But in the end, I’m convinced it’s the surgeon that makes the big difference along with just plain hard work afterwords.
I don't know what to say , here ivam in Canada u don't choose surgeon, u wait 2 or 4 years waiting then when everything is damaged they do this surgery . You need to have good money to go for those special hospitals and very expensive. Everything he is talking about he is right and his videos helping many . I am after 3 month my rom is 65 . And he said he can't do anything u will be like this . I am in pain but not swollen like before only tightness in front . I can't stand on my knees over 7 minutes. I am doing lots of exercises from different pt on TH-cam. If I had money was different story . But some people are just suffering 😢😢😢
You are truly blessed and thanks for sharing..would you mind how it cost you I know you have health insurance.God bless.
After reading through these comments, I totally feel for those who still have pain and swelling. In my opinion, the key is finding the right doctor. Took me a year to find mine. I did interview them. Once I found him, I’d never go to another one. I had LTKR not quite a year ago. I have a small (4-5”) scar, half moon shape. No muscle cutting, no tourniquet, no general anesthesia and same day surgery. I’m 72 years young. I am female. Very active. My flexion is 142 degrees. My extension was 0 degrees from day one. It’s the doctor. I worked hard and now I can row, cycle, yoga and Pilates. I can kneel and have been since 6 weeks. Again, it’s the doctor. Find a doctor that is younger and trained in newer ways. Also Fellowship trained. My right will be done in the next year by the same doctor. Make no mistake, there was swelling, stiffness and the soft tissue has to have time to heal no matter how the surgery is done. But there was very little pain at all. The difference is less of my soft tissue was involved with the minimally invasive procedure. Healing was faster. No walker involved. I also had a great PT. Matters. My knee continues to strengthen. My doctor told me a year to 18 months for healing and strength. I don’t regret my decision and so glad I had the doctor and PT that I did.
Could you please share the name of the doctor and the town he's located in? Thanks!
@@valuquest1390 Dr. Florian Dibra in Frisco/McKinney, Texas. Cannot recommend enough. This doctor is interested in getting his patients back on their feet and back into life.
Dr. Florian Dibra in Frisco, Texas. His skill and his team are amazing. But make no mistake, for two to three weeks there is a lot of swelling. I started PT the day after surgery. I did my PT at home also not just at PT. I worked very hard to get where I’m at. I iced, elevated and moved. Rinse and repeat everyday. One other thing I had a spinal and no tourniquet. Game changer. I had full use of my quad.
Thank you for sharing 🙏 😇God bless you .❤ Cece bee 🐝
Two years in and have very little experience with any pain, it is more like tightness from the surgery. Massage really helped relieve the discomfort.
I have the same problem, 8 months out now and still the pain, swelling and hard to sleep still.
I’m not happy about it after all the work I’ve put in.
I understand where you're coming from. You do all the rehab and everything else and the pain is still there.
I had a tkr on Dec 18, 2024. Before the surgery my Dr and I had a talk about my expectations. I was doing HVAC and he told me I could not do it anymore. I was hurting pretty bad before the surgery. I had put it off a long time. He explain that the knee replacement would never be as good a heathy knee, but the purpose of knee replacement was to improve my quality of life. From that stand point the knee replacement has been a sucess so far. Yes, I dont have as much range of motion. I've got to be more careful with it. After a long day of activity it get a little fuffy and tired. With that said, Im not bow legged and I enjoy my days more because my knee does its best while on it. Setting actually causes more discomfort. And there are times I actually forget its even been replaced or rather just dont think about it.
I had my surgery December 8 and still had no therapy. I keep calling the doctor and your videos have helped me so much because of your exercises and everything else. I still walk like I’m handicapped. I don’t feel secure and I’m desperate for advice.
Tony, without your guidance I don't know where I'd be. Two weeks ago I had my yearly checkup, 👍👍. I can sympathize with those who are having issues. I fell, broke my original implant and had to have a knee revision last March (original surgery was the previous month, Feb) which in turn broke my fibula. Not real smart! I was doing PT exercises Tony showed before I actually went to PT. So I owe you a vote of thanks Tony. 😊❤
These replies and the original post for whom the vid was made is exactly why I refuse to get my knees replaced . I hear wayyy too many horror stories . It’s my belief that the successful tkr stories are from very healthy younger people … I’m 67 and have major arthritis in almost every joint in my body including my feet and ankles and in my spine … this was a great video and I think you are spot on in your replies …
Thanks for the comment. It is a challenging surgery and you are right... it isn't for everyone. I wish you the best.
I’m 55 and still have swelling and horrible range of motion at 5.5 months. Wish I didn’t do it 😢
I’m 80 and i the last 11 month have had both knees replaced. I use t have a lot of pin ion down hill now none. Range of motion with the first one almost back to pre-op conditions. I will be there with the 2nd one buy mid summer. It takes a good surgeon, good PT, and a willingness to do your home work.
I just turned 75 and had knee replacement surgery a little over one year ago. I have been very happy with it.
I’m 54 and 3 months out. My flexion is great - at about 130, extension 0. But it’s still so painful and stiff I’m hoping this will improve with time. It’s already been a long road. I agree with the Dr. in this video- I think personality type plays a big role in recovery. I’m a type ‘A’
Goud information and well presented, thank you Tony!
I agree 100% that personality plays a huge role in how people recover from this. I’m a type ‘A’, do everything by the letter, and I’m struggling quite a bit. I think there’s a connection with more laid back personality types and faster recoveries/ less complications. Not fair!
Hi, we enjoy your videos. My husband is 9 weeks po. His whole leg is swollen and stiff from the hip down since his first week. He has no constant pain, only a bit when he does his exercises at home when he doesn't have PT. He is walking 20 minutes slowly but surely. ROM is 55 extension 7.
Watchibg this video, we ask ourselves, could it be lymphatic?How can I send you a photo?
I didnt have knee replacement surgery but cant find videos on patella knee surgery. I had a freak accident and my knee is a small piece and was sewed to my tendon with screws. I was told my doctor will not precsribe me pain meds more than 1 week after surgery. Im on week 2 and no pain meds and can feel everything and cry and cry and cry. Im not suppose to use my leg for 8 weeks. I was told I would walk again but never bend my knee. I need years of therapy. Im so sorry for everyone here suffering.
9 weeks post op on my right knee. Still have pain on inside of knee, minimal tightness on front where incision was made, and slight swelling. Frustrated because I had the left knee done last September and it was pain free after six weeks.😢
I am 54. I had a tkr oct of 2023. I had a in home therapist for the first 2 weeks about 5 visits. He never once had me do exercises while he was there. The first 2 weeks are critical in getting the knee working after surgery. When I went to my first post op apt. The doctor was shocked. I couldn’t lift my leg and straighten it at all!
then started outpatient therapy immediately and the prescription for PT was to concentrate on extension and stretching my leg to get it straight. They did not do that. I then got scheduled for manipulation under anesthesia I’m dec. I had to get a special brace called the JAS brace and wear it a few times a day. My leg still wouldn’t go straight. I had a second revision tkr on feb 22 of 2024. I switched where I went to therapy. At the new place they work on my body and stretch my leg and press on it and really work it. They get me to 5 degrees but then every day I just still can’t get my leg straight. I am going in on 4/16 to get a manipulation again. So this will b 2 knee replacements and 2 manipulations under anesthesia. If I still can’t straighten my leg after this I will never walk normal again. I am only 54 so it’s very frustrating
Sorry to read your battles! I have my own horror story but you don’t need to get more of that. Wish you all the luck in the world.
I wish everyone the best!!+
Not sure if I'm in the same boat but I follow this channel religiously. For my situation, I had a bike accident that shattered my left knee cap and tore my ACL. I've been following your advises, tips and exercises and have tried my very best during PT for the past 3 months and have been able to manage to get down to 10° extension and 70° extension. Maybe cause I'm still young and trying to get back to some normalcy so I'm pushing myself everyday, sometimes through tiredness and pain. In my case, it feels like I'm stuck at this range and the further I push, the pain goes to a 10/10 even with Tramadol. I was just given the green light to put some weight on my knee. Hopefully this will help to break my plateau.
I am 79. Had right TKR 6 months ago. Walk like drunken sailor just off ship. Still trying to do PT exercises and walking. Knee swells and pain increases.
Me too, after 6 months
I'm having pain and stiffness 16 months post-op after right TKR with a Stryker Triathlon cruciate retaining implant. I was improving steadily at the 6-month mark, and started getting more active athletically. Then suddenly the knee loosened up and felt unstable and it seemed like the femoral component was sliding too far forward on the tibial plate and pushing on the patellar tendon, causing pain every time I went down the stairs or put forward pressure on the knee. The surgeon says the implant is in good condition and in place like it should be and not loose. He thinks that I damaged my PCL and wants to do revision surgery, replacing the femoral component with a posterior stabilized model. He told me to wear a brace in the meantime and and do exercises to strengthen various ligaments. I did not feel any pain on the back of my knee, so I'm not too confident in his diagnosis of a torn PCL. It felt more like the tibial plate settled forward and down into the tibia. I don't want to go through the pain or the down time from revision surgery, so I'm dealing with it for now, just wearing the brace. Wonder if anybody else has had a similar experience?
When I go to bed on a night it's pins and needles across the knee capi can't bear the sheet on it what can I do?
I was expecting to hear you weren’t progressing much and was shocked with how great your flexion is. I’ll be 2 months post op in a few days and my flexion is hanging around 56-58 degrees. Much better than the 35 I was at a month ago, but I’m struggling to gain more function. Having so little flexion causes a lot of pain. I see the surgeon in a couple of weeks and waiting to hear if they will be doing a MUA. I really hope they do, because I really need help.
How did the appointment go?
I had a TKR 14 months ago had to have an MUA 3 months after the TKR can’t do a lot of biking because my other knee has gone south and it swells on the bike but will probably go for it at the end of the summer it was the most brutal thing I’ve ever gone though but now it’s better def gets stiff and clunks a little but I feel when I get my other knee done everything will balance out again I am in the pool running swimming doing as much as I can
All the folks pts and surgeon told me the CPM Machine wasn’t useful but I pushed for it and it really helped me with flexion and extension after the MUA
Seems like the surgeons don’t really care once they cut you and get their money unfortunately our health care system is more of a sick care system so we must fight for our rights and get the best help we can my right leg is now straight and my bad knee is still bowed so I am walking with a cane again it sucks but this is what happens when they structurally change you! Honestly I hope and pray that science figures out a less barbaric invasive knee replacement alternative I know it’s in the future! Good luck everyone !
I had two knee surgery on the same left knee . Second surgery it been ten months now 😢. Tight, swollen, when it rains it’s hurt. I put ice on it. I can’t sleep at night . I went to physical therapy for six months still the same 😢.what to do l’m tired.
Same here. 1 total replacement, 2 manipulations,1 revision and just today another manipulation 😢. My life has changed drastically. I used to be athletic and very active till I had this surgeries. Depressing!!
O had a TKR 9 weeks ago and had a manipulation at 7 weeks. I've just finished 12 days of PT and my range of motion is still awful. I do the excersizes, but 30 minutes after my knee tightens up and I lose my range of motion. The best I do is 110, and when I get up in the morning, I bet it is 90, and that's exaggerating. After doing excersizes or going to PT my knee swells even though I ice it. I go to bet hooked to my ice circulator, but around 12 pm I have to take it off. I know there are lots of people out there like me and feeling depressed and wishing they never had this done. Is there anything you suggest?❤
I am in 6 weeks after TKR and can only 80 degress band...is it normal?
8:01 - 8:18 What kind of Specialist "therapist " aka biomechanical* Where exactly would you found a
specialist like this ? *Tony* *I remember years ago, you had a Guest who spoke about Lymphatic System* .
My heart goes out for anyone who had a Knee Replacement . Thank you for your Video , Tony !!!
Wow! You have an amazing memory. Yes, I interviewed a lymphedema therapist. A great therapist I may try to connect with is @CancerRehabPT Dr. Kelly Strum
@@totaltherapysolutions Tony , You are the kindness and caring person , I ever meet.
I will always remember you. I am thankful that, I found your channel, years ago.
It's been extremely helpful. I have recommend your channel to families , friends and even people
on youtube.
Been 5 months still have nerve pain did PT but someone said it might take 2 years for nerve pain to be gone.Been to surgeon Insurance won't pay for nerve block .At loss for anymore solutions solutions Help
tight hamstring and calf after tkr 3 years on fluid behind knee ??
Iam 48 yrs old my left knee tkr happened 4 months back.severe pain on bone near knee joint.stiff thigh muscle pain when lifiting leg to exercise and unable to walk freely. Give some suggestions pl
Reply pl
My doctor told me a year recovery. I'm 3 months out, lots of exercise & tons of pain. They told me to be patient. Good luck to you.
I had 1st trk 2020, 11 months later had a revision, Dr's words... 1st dr didn't take enough bone off.
I'm still in pain EVERY DAY. I had the Oblation about 6 weeks ago, got no pain relief from it. Now my dr is talking about putting in a DRG neurostimulation system in... which i really don't want to do. He said doing the ablation he could feel the scar tissue resistance. So i think it's Arthrofibrosis. And I'm not sure what to do about that.
It gets better when I'm doing PT. But the minute i stop it's coming back again. I'm so frustrated with this knee replacement. I have been on pain medication for almost 4yrs now...
It's so depressing!!!!
I had a partial knee replacement 3 months ago.Recovery was good until 2 weeks ago now knee is swollen with fluid which the consultant thinks it’s the implant rubbing against the fluid sack.Now waiting for a steroid injection.Wished I’d never bothered 😡
I started my physio after 2 and half weeks. Late start. So in alot pain and stiffness. Taking pain pills
First knee is 15 months ago, its Ok not perfect. Second knee 4 months I can get around ,still swollen. I'm 68 so its not like I'm going snowboarding
Hi I'm a 60 year old woman with arthritis ortho arthritis and fibromyalgia. I had my second knee replacement November 23 still a lot pain swelling and rom is 95 my dr recommended MUA at soon is possible flexion and bending almost impossible my question to you. MUA is worthy or is too soon for me to do that you think I should wait more thank you I need help PS my first knee replacement never had any problems was a regular surgery not robotics second was robotics
Wow I read the comments 😢 … my TKR is scheduled for June 17 … I’m really questioning if I should have it … I’m in a lot of pain but at least I can sleep now. Just wondering if you all regret having it done ? Sending you all healing vibes
I’m 3 months out and I’m still struggling with pain and stiffness. I wish I wouldn’t have done it. Interview as many surgeons as you can and find the right one. Also, your relationship to your healing is VERY important. Best of luck to you when you make your decision.
Going to have nerveblock because have so much nerve pain ex-ray is normal It is causing so much pain that PT us getting really painful to do I am at three months
I was diagnosed with CRPS. I had TKR over two years ago and still in chronic pain. You might want to look into this Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome.
I had a partial knee replacement five years ago. I still have a lot of tingling sensation.I still have stiff knee, my knee sometimes buckles and I also have pain on the front of my knee kind of at the bottom where the implant is. I’ve seen two doctors outside of the one that done my surgery. One it’s just arthritis, second it’s your IT band, third one it needs to revised. Nope not happening. The PT worked a lot for the tightness that I was having, is it’s like the pain moved from the side to the front of the knee. Any suggestions?
Dr pl give ur suggestions i have tkr to left knee 4 months back it became very hard to bend and straight pain while lifting bone pain at knee and ankle unable to walk freely. Waiting for ur reply
I think my fibula head needs further diagnosis? My knee surgeon said all he could do is clean it up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I had a total knee replacement 10 weeks ago ,still struggling to get knee bend better ! Has anybody had a rash around their surgical scar and if so how did they treat it please ?
Rash could be an infection. See the doctor
Enjoyed the video. I can relate… JoAnn
So Over all
You can’t tell us anything!!
And you don’t know what needs to be done or 100%
You don’t have an answer!!
Nor can you be helpful!