3 weeks post op for tkr of right knee. Started out patient physical therapy and on my 2nd visit the therapist at the end pushed my knee so hard (even after I told her enough). Supposed to go tomorrow and I'm having 2nd thoughts. Anyone else have to tell their physical therapist to back off. I'm 65 and my rom was 93. I feel I'm coming along okay but am tired of un-necessary pain,
I know exactly what you mean. My surgeon calls them physical terrorists. I always left feeling worse than when I got there. I guess it's their job to get you to have a better flexion. But enough is enough.
Hi Betty,
Personally I would find a different physio if possible.
I am 9 weeks post op.
All in all I have met 3 or 4 different physios. NONE of them has pushed me to hurt. I was bending a max of 90° for about 6 to 7 weeks, still they managed me gently with a very very slight push and encouragement, I am bending 110° this morning. Take no nonsense from your physio. This is about getting better, not a race.
Take care,
Alan
Hi Betty
I do sympathise. However, having had the opposite problem (ie lack of decent physio), I would choose the assertive physio every time. Perhaps you could start off by explaining how you feel? But they and you must be doing something right if you're at 94 rom at week three.
Good luck and all the best x
So that's two completely opposing views right there lol!! Only you know how bad it feels and therefore whether the physio is doing too much......
Gosh Betty that just makes the whole experience worse. My physical therapist was the most gentle caring and concerned professional. I was encouraged to work hard but never forced or meant to feel bad - either physically or emotionally. I hope you get someone new. Good luck
MaryAnn
Yup...that's what they do. They push down on your knee or flip you on your stomach and let your leg hang off the table...gravity takes over from there...then they add an ankle weight... I'm 68 and 12 weeks out from a left TKR. It's brutal..medieval at times...but there's no easy way to get that leg straight. Check my thread on "Zero Degrees!!!". Your PT should give you some numbers regarding straightness (- number) and bend (+ number). I started at -14/+84; the goal is 0/+120. After 10 weeks of PT, I finished at -1/+128...I can get that last degree of straightness by doing leg presses at the gym and getting the knee to "lock" like the other one. This could take months. Told my PT that he should be wearing a dungeon manster's cowl and face mask...they have an IHOP sign (Intention House of Pain) hanging up... No, this isn't pretty...but it's the only way to get your full range of motion back.
Hi Betty!
Oh, YES! I told the first PT who evaluated me UP FRONT that I would be his hardest working patient, BUT that I responded to kindness, not toughness and to encouragement, not sarcasm and ridicule.
I also told him to NEVER push my knee.
He handed me off to another PT who shared MY philosophy. Together, Sandy and I headed toward awesome progress!😊😊
WE are in charge of our own bodies.
WE know ourselves better than anyone else.
WE can be gentle AND effective!
Be strong!🙌
I have had a couple of lots of physio and afterwards I am in more pain I am told this is normal and that I must keep pushing and stretching but it does really hurt.
Yes, Jeanne we know when enough is enough! Your surgeon has a good sense of humor. How long ago did you have surgery?
I agree Alan, I just want to get better, not run a marathon! I've decided to speak to the doctor tomorrow and see what happens. most of the pt's are younger folks and I feel cannot completely understand how an older person feels or the fact that it takes a while to heal.
this is my first time on any forum and I do appreciate it. I've read some older posts and somehow I feel better, maybe connected and not feeling alone. This is so positive so thanks so much.
Betty
Yeah it does. Actually, I was not prepared for the amount of pain involved. I've had a hip replacement, two shoulder operations, four knee scopings and four fused vertebrae in my back. The TKR beat them all...would rather have had another kidney stone! Just know it gets better...it really does. I'm about 13 weeks out now and there's zero pain in my knee. I went through 10 weeks of PT hell but came out great. Yes, some residual swelling and stiffness that will subside in time. Just have to get to the gym to build the quad back up. The more strength in the thigh, the less pressure on the knee. At home, do squats to build the quad. Just know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and it's definitely not an oncoming train!
Have to disagree Chico, ' That's NOT what they ALL do'.
I have had much physio due to ankle and back injuries in the past and most recent after my TKR.
I have never experienced aggressive techniques, and Thank God have had great success.
I guess it's "different strokes for different folks'.
Putting people through extra pain is not always necessary.
Maybe I've just been very lucky.
Take care,
Alan
I agree that it's not a race...and none of us will ever actually "run" again. The goal is full range of motion...zero degrees straight and greater than 120 degrees of bend. How you get there is up to you and your PT. Just get there!!! That said, there is a sense of timing here. The longer you take, the harder it will be to achieve that goal. You need to get there before the scar tissue builds up and sets permanently. The PT breaks that down as it tries to build up so you can get to zero/+120 as easy as possible. Wait a year and you're toast. I know it's hard but you really do have to push it sometimes...regardless of the pain. I'm 68 and I got it done...you can too...
Wish I had met your PT!!! Mine was brutal but effective. 10 weeks to -1/+128; for me, it was worth the pain. Honestly, except for pushing down on my knee, the rest of the PT was fairly gentle and easy. Cycling, stretching, various leg exercises. It was the pushing and hanging that were the most difficult. My gym work should do the rest. Best of luck...
I had a really tough pt for the first one. I would scream and even after all of that I still didn't get past 100 maybe 110. I wen back for a couple of treatments and then decided that I could get a better one. I changed and what a difference! I'm progressing very well, 89 the last day...up by 6 from the last visit. And she's very understanding. I believe that it will come in due time. Pt should not be something to traumatize you. I know people that have only done their own exercise and they are fine. A change might be good.
PT should be challenging and progressive but definitely NOT reach the screaming stage! Good that you found a therapist that helps you reach your goals.
Hi betty. There are times when we have to defer to people who have greater knowledge and other times when we know what's best for ourselves. Physio in the small regional area of Sydney where I live is expensive and the best physio is always fully booked so I decided to do private hydrotherapy, with support from my local hydrotherapy staff at hospital. We are allowed 6 weeks of hydro then we're on our own. The physio here was 3 weeks and a bit disinterested. They just left me to my own devices so I found a lady who is kind and gentle and fully qualified but only works a few hours a week. She has shown me some great balance exercises, hamstring, quad and calf exercises. They are all available on youtube. Perhaps it is time to take some personal responsibility and get informed. Knowledge is power and often those who have superior knowledge think they know best for us. I am proud of my recovery. I don't measure flexion or compare myself often to others recovery. I just know that I am healing well, have a great range of movement, although still suffer pain at night. You are only 3 weeks post op. Go gently, ditch the bitch and get some suitable exercises from either a caring physio or source them yourself. It worked for me! BTW a warm hydro pool is amazing for TKR recovery. I've just had 20 skin cancers burnt off so I'm not allowed near the water for 2 weeks. I wish you well. xxx
It's been almost 4 months. The stiffness and pain behind the knee just won't go away. Can't get past 107 no matter what I do.
Thanks. It's just that when I said to her to stop she kept pushing. I'm going to tell her that we need to work together and she needs to listen to me.