This may seem obvious but I just wanted to throw it out there. I have been icing icing icing to numb pain and reduce swelling. I broke out an old electric blanket heating pad and in between ice sessions, I am able to warm not only the knee, but ESPECIALLY the surrounding sore muscles, tendons etc. I apply it to my lower back and hip on the affected side and the results have been really good. I am able to relax and get better range of motion and my stretching exercises are easier with "pre-heated" muscles. Hope this helps and best of luck. Note: you can burn yourself with these so don't fall asleep on it with bare skin et al.
My physio guy used heat on me as well. I found it very helpful. I know some techs don't use heat though. I had a bag I used in the microwave... When my staples were removed I found a warm bath very relaxing...
Every time I went to physical therapy they had me lay with my thigh on a heated pad before starting the actual therapy. While laying on the pad I raised my leg as far as it would go for about 10 minutes. After that I was much more relaxed and able to do the exercises they required.
Thanks Sky
i used to do this with a heat pad a while back and had forgotten. I'm going to dig it out again for my sore muscles!
Suzi. 18 weeks tomorrow
Always thought that heat is good for stiff muscles, ice-packs are fine if knee is swollen and sore but general stiffness heat and exercise works every time.
I only used ice in the hospital and in the first couple of weeks. After that I found a hot water bottle the best thing for all the aches and pains, shifting it around from knee to thigh to back etc.
How did you get ino and out of the bath?
I am doing some pre op exercises in my my warm bath ith no pain at all!
Very carefully, using my unoperated leg as my strong one. I found heat was nice my my leg before exercising it loosen the muscles for stretching. I Slso used a warm facecloth in the tub to rub and massage my scar.
You're not kidding, "very carefully". I could usually get into the bath - it was getting out that was troublesome.
Luckily my tub seems a little low, but a bath seemed worth any extra effort....
I used to sit on the side and swing first my good leg and then the operated one over.
Getting out involved standing up so I needed to push up on my arms and then bad leg out first making sure it was safely and securely on the floor before lifting out the other.
Non-slip mat in the bath.
It was so good to be able to soak in the heat!
Its lovely isn't it! I got in ok but getting out was a real problem. My husband came to help me and we were both weak from laughing. Worth it for the relief from stiffness tho lol