I'm going on 5 weeks after bilateral knee replacement with conformis knees I'm still really stiff I've been going to physical therapy three times a week and I'm only at 97° on left knee 95° on right I was told that the window of being able to get full bend is closing because of scar tissue is building up this was told to me by a PTA I'm wondering if this is true and is there any of you experiencing the same
Are you in uk? It's still early. Sounds ok. My physio was happy with my 100 at five weeks.
My consultant said there's a three month 'window' where most improvement can take place, but my physio disagreed and said ROM continues to improve for months after this.
I'm at 8 weeks and my doctor said to give it a couple more months to improve the bend. If it doesn't improve, I'm st 92, he will do arthroscopic surgery to clean up the scar tissue. Do not worry he emphasized, this is a year long healing process.
Donald, are you doing the 'slide for the bend' exercises at home? You should be doing these every day. If you're not, then you can find details of how to do it online, but basically you can do it on the bed - out flat, stick a tray under your foot and bend the knee up as far as it will go, pushing it as much as you can (the tray helps the foot slide) or you can do the same thing sitting in a chair (again, using the tray if you're on carpet), or on a recliner. Also don't forget ice and elevation will help with swelling. Don't panic too much about this 'window' - I suspect it might be easier during the early weeks to get more bend but opportunity doesn't stop within those weeks. Just keep trying it at home.
In US the doc says 90flex by no later than 6wks. 90 is min and the hope u get to 120. More is bonus. My class said scar tissue starts forming day3 on.
BUT WHEN YOUR REALLY SWOLLEN YOU CANT PUSH the knee to bend more wo causing a lot more swelling. Its a cycle. Thats why icing after the flexion helps-it limits swelling.
I knew when i had a bad part of scar tissue on one side (i had lots n lots-took 6weeks to break it up) i had both done same time, and i took a band and pulled (and cried!) And held it, released it, held it released it. A LITTLE MORE each time. It worked!
Since,i think 12weeks, i am over 140,almost 150, on right and 138+/- on left(143 in morning) The only reason i tried more than 120 was my job and my backpacking needs me to get lower. Im motivated. Best part, once scar tissue broken up, its done. You might have deeper layers but keep massaging, flexing. Heat help first, ice after...
Your preop status is a BIG factor. If you were really disabled b4 surgery, it'll take longer to get the muscles n tendons stretched.
Take care :D
PHEW - that's something to aim for - 150 LOL! That sounds amazing! I'm enjoying the challenge of this:-))))
We can do it Chris!!! 👍
Yay - YES we can:-))) It's girl power LOL!
MY word +150 brillinat. Ill be happy with 135
But when you get to 135 you need that challenge LOL!
😂