i am 6 weeks post Total knee replacement this Thursday. The physio I have seen has told me that the range of motion you have at 6 weeks is more or less what you are left with. At the moment I'm at 90 degrees but my target is 120. I need this in order for me to ride my motorcycle so hearing that I might not be able to ride it again is quite depressing. I still get nerve pain either side of my joint at night, it swells during the day, and it is very stiff first thing in the morning. Any advice would be really appreciated.
Sue x
Oh yes my range has improved tremendously even better than
before op but it does take time and work xx
At 6 weeks, my range of motion was 50 extension (bent knee) and 90 flexion due to extreme swelling from an allergic reaction to dermabond glue. At 4 months my extension was 45 and flexion at 95. I got a new physical therapist that did hands on exercises with me and showed me what exercises I should be doing. Now two months later my extension is at 15 degrees and my flexion is at 105. The physical therapist expects me to continue to improve. Both the surgeon (who wanted to do surgery to remove adhesions and MUA) and physical therapists are amazed that I can now walk after being wheelchair bound for five months. I'm 67 and had TKR 'May 2, 2017. The point is our bodies have a tremendous ability to heal.
At six weeks you are still early in your recovery. You have a goal and you can achieve it! Exercise, ice, rest. You are well on your way!
I hope what you've been told isn't true. I don't have a clue what my rom measurement is because I've never had physio, just exercises to do at home, so don't know how to measure it but I'm certainly not bending anywhere near fully yet. I thought we'd get better results as time goes on. I am seeing my doctor today for repeat meds so I'll be asking about this. I'm 6 weeks too Snoozy, I'll let you know what they say
I posted a similar question to yours not long ago. I was assured by the experienced reply’s that the supposed six week time frame for ROM is not the case.
I was told you can gain rom over a much longer period of time than six weeks.
Among others, the invaluable advice from Chico Marx on this subject, gave me the confidence
and determination to disregard the so called six week time frame.
All best wishes, you will be on your bike when ready for it.
I'd love to hear what your doctor thinks. I see my consultant again next week it just scared me from what she said X
it sounds like you've had an awful time. I've always managed to have a straight leg even day of the operation. Before the op I couldn't straighten it properly so I'm guessing that a lot of my problems are related to my hamstring muscle. At 18 days post op I was achieving 60 degree flexion and she started scaring me then about manipulation under anaesthetic. I absolutely tortured myself getting it to bend. Sitting in a chair forcing my leg backwards with the other leg pushing it. It was that painful I was biting a scarf and tears were just rolling down my face it was just horrific X
Jean how many weeks post op are you now? If it is longer than 6 weeks ago are you still seeing improvements? X
that sounds encouraging thank you for replying x
Snoozy, l am six weeks post op and have an 80 bend. This is a big improvement from the 50 two weeks previous. I will take this as a good sign for the future.
Sometimes l think that some physios need to be more informed and sensitive to patients who are already under a deal of stress. It’s reassurance and encouragement we need.
Thank goodness for this forum in giving both. Best regards
As long as you are doing your regime and exercises all will be good at the end I couldn't attend physio as my husband was being treated for cancer and was unable to drive me there so just relied on myself to do and push myself #hard # but 10 months down the road I'm satisfied with the results as for 6 weeks recovery phist where are they coming from aye 6 weeks you've got your appitite back 😊😊😊😊
Not my experience. My Rom improved a lot 10 to 12 weeks.
Forgot to ask are you in UK?
You may like to go to my profile by clicking on the image next to my name. I kept a journal of my own knee replacement journey, and I have been told by several people they found it helpful to read, or skim through. There is an abridged version which is shorter as well! It has a lot of useful suggestions and information. Lots about exercises! I am now 7 months post op!
You are such an inspiration! 😊
Hi Jenny thanks for the reply. yes I'm in th UK I'm 47 years old, tore my me meniscus cartilage quite badly when I was 25 and it had got progressively worse over the years. I'm quite active enjoying cycling both pedal power and with an engine but since having this op haven't been able to do either. I've read your blog and there are posts there of people improving even after 6 months. This has given me a massive boost as I have been beating myself up with my progress as I was under the impression that 6 weeks was D day X
Your therapist is either lazy or a fear mongerer. In five rehab I never achied max at 6 weeks and as much as 6 months I was gaining as long as I was continuing to work at it steadily. He needs more schooling or counseling. Just be steady and slow and you see another 1 or 2 degrees. Just make sure you are working to get to 0 on extension as that's what will keep you from having a lifetime limp and possible hip issues.
As bar as biking, many of us have had to give up something. For me it was good because of the number of surgeries and the root cause of my problem, a rare tumor. I couldn't get past the pain of turning on the ball and still trying to hit it like I was 25 again. You'll figure all that out as you go.
Well he is a she I have to agree I was quite shocked when she said 6 weeks is D Day. I'm not giving up cycling I've already given up a lot of things in my life I'm do determined to get enough ROM to enjoy what I did previous to the operation X
It's not quite the same as a lovely bike but I found an inexpensive static bike a good tool in my rehab...got one for around 80 quid.
Possible to imagine you are moving forwards! 😁
People find pedalling backwards easier at first..
Don't worry, you will be back on both your bikes!
Just keep on resting, exercises little and often, patience and a sense of humour will take you a long way.
Ice, elevate knee above your heart, once the swelling reduces things naturally improve.
Just nudge it gently and respectfully along, no forcing, getting cross with it, or putting yourself in a place where you cause untold agony...not necessary...and your knee will thank you with a beautiful shining motion...in its own time.
Well, believe it or not, my doctor didn't even look at my knee. She said that's what my follow up appointment with the surgeon is for. So it's a waiting game again until my appointment comes through