I'm at 3 weeks post-op Rt TKR. At 90+ degrees flexion and ~ 4 degrees short of full extension. We are taking a slow walk, with the cane, around the block most days. I did Pre-op PT for 4 weeks. I didn't even know that was a thing. I recommend it HIGHLY! I have to say that my wife has been a KEY to my staying on track. I'm at PT twice a week and doing the work at home 3 times a day. (Twice on PT days) Everyone is going to be different. Having a routine has been key. I use the R.I.C.E. method and recommend it highly. Rest (Sleep 8 hrs+). Ice (20" every hour). Compression (Wear those T.E.D. Hose!). and Elevation. If I'm sitting, I'm elevating my leg. Knee at or above the heart level. I have a timer always set at 40 minutes to remind me to get up and move around a bit. Having said all of that, I woke up yesterday with an empty tank. So. I got up anyway, but chilled out, and took an "easy" day. Today has been fine. I feel confident I'll have a very good outcome. You can too! 😊
TKR in July of 2023. 100° flexion 2 days after surgery! At 5 weeks after surgery, and I now have 135° flexion. Yes, it hurts. As someone else said: "no pain, no gain." VERY TRUE! Do the PT! Physical Torture, but worth it. Edit: 12 days after TKR surgery (90 days later) on my OTHER knee, I am at 122° flexion and achieved 0° extension. The PT at home helps out tremendously. Riding my bike has helped the most.
Everyone is different, until you have a TKR you do not know how painful this procedure can be. “Pushing past the pain” is one of the worst phrases I’ve ever heard and my excellent Consultant and physio team in the UK are horrified when they hear it. Talking about people at the top % or bottom % is counterproductive too, hard enough being in pain without being labelled. Damage can be done and coming back from that is even harder. Listening to your own body helps, it’s telling you something. I’m now 6 weeks and doing absolutely fine, but not “killing myself in pain” my OA pain is completely away and I am gently working my way through day by day. As my surgeon says only 20% of healing has occurred at this stage, this is a marathon not a sprint, steady progress is best and ignore the eejits who want to turn all things into a league. 🥰🏴🇬🇧
70 year old woman that is 1 week post op. Found your vids. Today I was in a slump thinking I had made the worst mistake of my life. I needed this motivation. I'm at 90° and looking for more exercises than the 3 exercises I was sent home with and putting in a call to my doctor about pt. Thank you for your inspiring words.
I’m so sorry, I hope you have moved forward significantly. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. We are individual in every way. I am 72 and almost 3 wks po from RTKR. But my Dr makes his patients set up PT before the surgery. I did that 2 months prior and had my first PT appt at 4 days po. Both the hospital and the surgeon gave me several pages of exercises to do, some of them were preop. I was so worried about the first PT appt but they were great, did a complete evaluation taking into account my age too. I was so shocked when they measured my flexion at 80. I really think it all made a difference as I have progressed to flexion of 105. I went into this with no expectations because I knew it was very painful. I need my L one done as well but my therapist thinks I need to have a more complete healing before I even think about that. They know what will work best for their patients and I respect that. If I have a down day it’s usually from fatigue or a rough PT session the prior day. So don’t be hard on yourself, the next day is always better. Surgery this big is hard and emotional too. Wherever you are on your healing journey, keep pushing through. I am told we are warriors! 💕
My original TKR was in February of this year, 2023 and I was doing fine; then I fell, broke the implant which in turn went up my knee and broke my femur. I then had a TKR near the end of March and the rest is history. I'm on the mend, 3-4;more weeks of PT then in October back to the doc. I enjoy PT but will be glad to get back to my chair aerobics class and do PT in my own. 😊 Thanks for good info!
Eight weeks after my TKR I can achieve 120 degrees w pain level 7-8 (out of 10). Until last week, 120 ROM was only possible with pain level 10+. I work on it 3x per day and my wife helps by pushing the knee to the 120 deg limit & I made a device that helps me measure the angle. Anyone contemplating this procedure should recognize u may endure unrelenting, unending pain that sends spikes thru the leg in the middle of the night when u r trying to sleep. The knee regime will consume your life, 100% of your attention and focus will be to get range of motion back so listening to cheerleaders like Rosen doesn't fully help the patient understand what may be ahead. One of the nurses said it best, after the first 2 days u will feel like u were hit by a truck. Nurses seem to be very honest. I have achieved 120 deg ROM, but the price in pain was extraordinary and I will NOT do the other knee which is just as arthritic as the "fixed" knee. If u overdo it, you will know because the dull pain and the spikes will increase big time. Had I changed my exercise routine to a recumbent bike I could have avoided this horrific event in life. OXY was helpful but the side effects were drowsiness, nausea, insomnia and weight loss. Glad to be off of OXY but the weight loss helped the non repaired knee. I use ICY Hot w Lidocaine for the constant, dull pain, and Pure Magnesium Oil to arrest the electrical spikes which I assume come from nerves that were cut during the procedure and have yet to heal.
My first TKR I went home with only 78 degrees of flexibility. I hit the panic button and exercised that knee ! Throughout the day and the night as I couldn't sleep. I pushed myself to the limit of pain. I ended up at 8 weeks with 130 degrees and that knee is fantastic. Pain is your friend at this stage. Don't ignore it but push through as much as you can. Take frequent rests. I found myself holding the knee and sending loving thoughts. Second TKR started off better, 90 degrees the next day ! But I developed a bleed when the antibiotic needle was taken out so spent 3-4 days trussed up and immobile till it stopped. I ended up with only 125 degrees and a less happy knee. This emphasises the need to exercise from day 1, and that pain is your friend. Thanks Adam and good luck everyone !
100% spot on! At two months post op I was riding my bike 5 miles and felt it more in my non-surgical knee (it gets replaced in late-May) than my surgical knee. At 2 weeks I was at 100 degrees and at 4 weeks 125. At 6 weeks I was doing gentle squats at the gym. The PA and surgeon were thrilled but I worked really hard at PT. I’d come home and ice my knee. No pain, no gain and never thought I was doing too much. Had a great PT team too. Now that I know what to expect and how to achieve an excellent outcome, it will be easy to recover and rehab the left knee. Oh…I’m also 69 years young with a very positive attitude which helps enormously too. BTW…your book is excellent. You and my surgeon are of kindred mindsets.
At 8 weeks out, I remain very compromised, stiff and swollen, though there has been progress. hard to remain optimistic but these vids are helpful. Wish the med community advocated Pre Hab more vigorously - I got myself involved 4 weeks out, but don’t think I accomplished much. So now feel the strain of “catching up”. PT aggravates the knee so I try to measure 2 45 minute sessions daily w little tweaks at the kitchen counter or in a chair. Hate the meds so am confronted w that dilemma. Asked my surgeon about cupping and am glad he approved…biggest flexi on improvement to date since I began cupping the knee and thigh as part of PT. There is a huge opportunity for someone to seize the knowledge market encompassing the best modalities available for a focused approach to recovery… there is a wealth of talented caregivers out there! Thanks for your insights - inspiring!
I had bilateral total knee replacement 9/14/22. At 66 had a lot of pain before surgery for years so standing with no pain is such a relief. Done with physical therapy at 6 weeks and surgeon released me until my anniversary. But had 125-130 range of motion at 3-4 weeks with mild discomfort. Never pushed myself, just listened to the therapists. They were all great. Get both knees done at same time if needed don’t wait. It’s better and recovery is done and over with.
Hi, I live in the UK, and finally, I'm set to have a full knee replacement in just under a month now, and I just wanted to say that out of all of the videos I've watched over the last 12 months (and I've watched plenty) since I finally got in to the queue for the op, your style and presentation has been the most useful, and every question I've been thinking about you've covered in your vlogs, and in your book. So many thanks for all your work producing these very informative videos, they've been a great help in preparing for the new knee, I feel I know what to expect and what I need to do to make a success out of the procedure. Thank you. 👋
@lindamadden7264 Hi, thanks for getting in touch. My Dad was from Lanark. My leg now is brilliant, honestly. It's 9 months since the op now (Dec 14th 2022) and it's completely changed my life around. I took all the advice I could and worked hard at the pre-op exercises to strengthen the muscles, and I'm sure that helped a lot. The op went well, the hospital used a robot tool to align the joint, and post op, the pain relief ensured I could start working on bending the leg even before I was allowed to stand. I had a bit of trouble with low blood pressure for a couple of days, so I had to stay in bed, but that allowed me to concentrate on slowly manually bending my knee (I had no feeling in the leg for a couple of days so couldn't move it independently). Normally, people are sent home after 3 days, but my blood pressure issue meant I was in for 6 days. I was sent home with two crutches, after 3 wks, I was using just one, and after 4 wks, I was walking unaided, if a little slowly. Things I found really useful were ice packs that can be refrozen, (should only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time), a rubber shower plaster-cast leg shield, to allow showering as soon as I got home, (I cut the foot off as I only needed to keep the knee dry, and its less slippy) and a double loop strap to help with lifting the leg up onto a chair to rest it, and to help to bend the knee until I could bend it without help. (All bought off amazon). Importantly, I realised that its the swelling in the joint that makes the bending difficult at first, so the ice packs made a big difference, and I worked hard at following the bending exercises, sliding my foot backwards and forwards etc. It takes time, but each day, there were little improvements, then bigger improvements followed. I took full advantage of the pain relief I was sent home with as it's fairly difficult to manage the exercises without it, and I was determined not to be trapped by scar tissue developing in the knee and causing problems later on. You've got around 6 wks to get to a reasonable bend in the knee before the deeper tissue starts to scare over, so it's this first period that requires most attention. After 5 wks I started short walks outside with a cane for ballance, and from that point, it all started to come together. At 6 months, I returned to hospital for a follow-up appointment, and the physio who I was to meet thought I was the wrong patient due to no decernable limp or difficulty in walking. We're all different and heal at different rates, but put in as much effort as you can without overdoing it, take plenty of rest with an elevated leg, and use the pain relief offered until you feel you don't need it and the swelling goes down. You'll be fine, and by putting in the work before and after the op, you'll be back to walking pain-free before you know. Best of luck, and let me know how you get on. Geoff.
@@geoffcampbell7846 thanks for responding! I’m so glad it worked out so well for you. I’m doing the pre op exercises, etc, and I show Scottish Deerhounds so really want to be able to run without my knee hurting for days afterward. IMy ortho doc says I should have a good recovery so fingers crossed. I’ll keep you posted!
I really appreciate your frank and honest videos. I’m six weeks into a TKR which was complicated by the need to remove lots of scar tissue from previous surgeries 20 years ago, after the knee was pinned and plated back together after being crushed in a car accident. I’m 46, so really need my knee to get super strong and last many years. It now fully straightens and have 108 degrees bend, which is now better than pre op. Your videos really give me a boost to keep pushing which the exercises.
Thanks Dr Rosen for your videos. I’ve added the kitchen chair routine to my PT. I’m 6 days post op and my range of motion is about 110 right now. Today, I’ve added walking around the block twice a day as well. The pain is there of coarse. But i take my pain meds as needed and Ice my knee 3-4 times a day. The worst part of my day is evening and first thing in the morning. The stiffness is extreme in the morning and i start with my meds and then my PT routine. Thanks again!
I developed patellar tendonitis about 3 months after my first knee replacement. This was not a result of PT, but of doing too much at the gym and other activities. I'm now about 5 weeks post-op on my second knee. I am better now at distinguishing pain that is helpful, and when it's time to back off a bit. I had another therapist suggest PT should be uncomfortable, but not super painful. Finding the 'sweet spot' of productive discomfort can be hard at first.
While facing my 2nd knee replacement this week, I have enjoyed watching your videos. I must congratulate you on your communication skills, quite exceptional among orthopaedic surgeons ( at least in Britain) of whom I have known many! The last time ,2014, it was a piece of cake, but I had to work it out for myself no one told me the things you have let me know. I'm truly grateful, Richard MBChB (retired)
Great information ! I'm 7 months post op and feel great. I really pushed myself with home PT and appointments and it really paid off. I'm so happy with my new knee.
I’m thankful for your videos!!! I had TKR and and based on my range of motion in the two week follow up and PT, I’m “way ahead of schedule”. I’m 61 and am very active and at 2 weeks got rid of my walker, 3 weeks have climbed the NRG stadium steps for the Houston Rodeo, slow danced with my wife at the Zac Brown Band concert, worked training roping horses in the round pen and doing pasture maintenance on our tractor. My pain has been controlled with pain meds, but I’ve weaned myself off of them and only take partial doses at night to help get a decent amount of sleep. I’m icing my knee for an hour five times a day and at night to control swelling using a cuff and cooler pump system. HOWEVER, this past week I started noticing significant swelling, pain and what I feel is lateral looseness on the anterior lateral portion of the knee. My doctor had mentioned that during surgery, when they “straighten” my leg, there may be some ligament loosening or tightening based on the tension difference prior to surgery as compared to post surgery. However, this was something that seems to have just started a few day past three weeks. I had a knee reconstruction on the same knee back in 2006. My question (finally) is, could I have possibly done some ligament damage by overdoing it that may be presenting itself? Thank you and I have subscribed!!!
just under 6 weeks post TKR, range of motion is 130 and straightening to about 2 degrees of full extension. I was at 120 degrees at just under 4 weeks (I am an overachiever). My biggest problem is pain behind the knee, after watching this video I am probably doing too much. I do about 6-8 different motion exercises twice a day, ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes a day and walk about 1.2 miles per day. Thanks for the SLOW DOWN OVERACHIEVER message, Dr. Rosen.
My husband had TKR Nov 14. He wakes up and knee feels fine. He does his therapy and he says it feels like a vice is squeezing his knee. He rides the bike and has done his therapy faithfully. He told his surgeon and he didn’t act concerned
I am a little over 9:weeks and my ROM and extension are doing well. I normally exercise a few times a day but am experiencing pain behind my knee. As a result my knee is experiencing more inflammation and stiffness. I appreciate your advice, I think I will dial it back a bit here and there. My biggest fear was regression.
I was putting my face in my pillow at home when my p.t. [ ain't and torture) pushed down on the upper and lower leg to straighten my leg out. It was the most pain I had. I had to go off oxycontin because it wasn't helping. It only makes me nauseous. I have been walking at Forest Preserve for the last 2 weeks. I'm getting ready for 1st 5k in September. May 3 was my surgery.
I know that I'm going to catch hell for this but here goes. I had knee replacement surgery 11 days ago. I walk with no assistance and here is the hell part. I am NOT going to physical therapy. I have chosen to do it on my own . ANY positive advice, leaving the "You HAVE to go to physical therapy." I do stretches, exercises...plenty of activity and my range of motion is great. I've looked for a link to help assist me with my home care...guiding me through this on my own. Thanks in advance...
I am 43 and will be 44 when my surgery takes place next month in August 23. I am very nervous about the recovery and trying to get back to work as a firefighter/paramedic as soon as possible as I can’t afford to take a lot of time off, on the other hand, the pain of doing my normal day things is to the point that it hinders my life. I have been trying to find as many videos I can to know what to expect and looking for encouragement that perhaps I can use this TKR to be able to move forward and return to a better quality of life at my age. I have put a lot of hard miles on this knee that was damaged in a car wreck 20 years ago, and used to be in great shape, unfortunately due to pain I have stepped way back (no pun) from being as active as I once used to be, and in as good of shape as I used to be just a few years ago.
Just had my surgery yesterday and today feeling the pain. It’s completely numb which is concerning, and I start therapy this afternoon. Not sure what to expect, but day 2 sucks lol
Thank you Dr Rosen. RTK done in Oct 21. Said to myself I would never do it again, until it starts affecting my life. I am 63 and had my LTK done (2days ago)Monday. It sucks, as the nerve blocks have now worn off. Advice, everyone is different. The rehab on each knee can be quite different. Painful, yes, depressing, yes, second thoughts, absolutely. But what are you going to do for the rest of your life? Limit your activities and live in a chair? I’ll give up 3 month of pain for the next 20 yrs of my life. Do your PT, ice machine, trust your Dr., trust your therapist and don’t think about “not” doing your PT, just because it hurts. Push yourself thru it. 100s of thousands do each year, in the US alone.
60 yr old female. I’m 7 weeks out from a TKR. Was healing well, less pain till I did squats during physical therapy a week ago. I felt pain but it got worse… that night started feeling a cutting sharp pain in and under my kneecap. Ice, rest, elevation has not helped. Worried my implant is damaged! My range of motion now is diminished. I’m so upset. Seeing my surgeon tomorrow. Just wanted to get your input, opinion as you seem knowledgeable. Thanks. Susan
Always good to get x-rays and have the surgeon check your ligaments and extensor mechanism (the quad tendon, kneecap and patellar tendon) to make sure everything is okay. Hopefully it is and just an inflammatory response. Wishing you a quick rebound in your recovery.
Don’t be worried too much. I am a 42, male athlete and had my TKA 4 days ago. I was very scared of the pain-stories of some people. My pain level was a 2/10 on the first 2 days (nerve block wear off) but the last 2 days it only increased to a 3.5/10. I am only taking Ibuprofen now. No narcotics. But your Doc wil help you with pain management. My nr. 1 tip would be to get or rent an ice machine (like game ready). That helped so much to control tge swelling and pain. 1 hour after the OP I started 24/7 with icing. 60min icing, 30min exercise like my physio explained. Good luck. It will all go great 💪
Be sure to check out my other videos and my book. The more education the better. Knowing what is coming can lessen anxiety. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thank you! Going in for my second TKR on 11/22/2022. You answered so many questions for me. Most importantly about can I do too much? My arthritic knee is now demonstrating pain as my TKR side not so much. But I believe I could have worked harder the first go round and had better range of motion. I now feel more comfortable and willing to push myself harder with my 2nd surgery in a couple of weeks. I am 9 months out since my 1st surgery. I wish I would have found you sooner, but glad I stumbled on your UA-cam site now. Again, thank you from the DFW area!
Thank You Dr. Rosen For Your Informative Information. Just Had A TKR On October 28th 2022. Am @90 Degrees In Range Of Motion. I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Knee. Working Hard On Tightness/Stiffness. Any Other Suggestions You Could Give Me To Assist With The Stiffness Please. FROM THE BAHAMAS 🇧🇸
I am day 4 and the swelling is still increasing TKR despite High elevation with ice cold therapy timed. I walk and move hourly. Can only tolerate Tylenol and Meloxicam. Loss ROM due to three times swelling. Wearing compression. Need suggestions.
I had surgery two weeks ago. Started PT five days after surgery. When I go to PT I always get short of breath. Once they sent me to the emergency room because my oxygen level was too low. I expected PT to be hard but this is a bit disconcerting.
I am 52 days out from my Total Knee Replacement ( Left Knee ). I have Outpatient Physical Therapy sessions twice a week. I also perform self therapy sessions at home, such that I’m effectively completing 2 therapy sessions a day(either Outpatient or Self). Prior to my knee surgery, I was doing Bodyweight & HIIT Interval Workouts 3 days a week with a day or two of rest between workouts for muscle & joint recovery. I also averaged over 10,000 steps/day according to my Fitbit. Should I incorporate Recovery Days into my TKR Physical Therapy sessions? I am 73 years old and anxious to return to my normal workout routine, but don’t want to sabotage any progress by rushing it or neglecting the recovery process. My Extension = 2, Flexion = 117. Again, my main question here is … Should I incorporate Recovery Days into my TKR Therapy Routine( 2 sessions per day, approx 1.2 hrs long)?
I'm not doing tough mudder until next year. 😊 Question. Is my hip and foot supposed to be hurting. There is little tendinitis in my foot and a little clicking in hip. A little arthritis from moning hip out to side to put on pants.
I am on my 5th day post ops knee replacement, I am following you on the exercises, helps me a lot. I noticed I cannot raise my leg if I were to try raise it on my bed sitting position, what should I do?
Hi, I just noticed your message and thought I'd reply. I had a full knee replacement 9mths ago, and at first, I had the same problem with not being able to lift my leg off the bed at all. I used a lifting strap (a double loop strap for lifting the leg from Amazon), and that helped tremendously both in lifting the leg and also encouraging it to bend. The movement did come back in time, but the strap helped to start the bending early on to fend off the scar tissue building up. If you can't get hold of the double loop strap, try a belt off a dressing gown, that's what I did at first and it helped. You'll get there, just keep working at it. Take care.👋
When I ask if I am doing too much, what I mean is too much of all activity. At 8 & 9 weeks post-op, I still have exhaustion. I fell asleep for a split second on the highway; totally unexpected. So no more driving except to PT. Is this normal? Should I rest more or push through the deep fatigue? I usually push through it. People need me and do not understand my fatigue. I find it hard to say "no" to commitments. BTW, I'm off all pain meds.
Thanks for your helpful videos. I had btkr two and half years before (march 2021). I experienced a sudden locking like thing in my right knee with a sharp pain and I couldn’t move my knee. After slightly massaging and making very soft baby movements, with clicking i got released and felt very normal. This happened twice during the last two months. Very much worried. Could it be anything serious?
I'm 4.5 weeks post-op - total knee replacement. What's confusing for me is not the pain as much as increased stiffness (115 degrees to 45 degrees) the morning after physical therapy. Can someone explain the benefit? My therapist warned me, "You'll be in pain tomorrow," but the stiffness feels like a regression.
Everyone is different and we can't always predict biology. talk with your surgeon and the therapist to see if anti-inflammatories would help and maybe try dialing back therapy 10% to see if there is not the rebound pain and stiffness.
Hello my dad is 4 weeks and 3 days post bilateral TKR. He was doing really good in terms of swelling, pain and ability to do exercises. But for the last few days R) knee is getting really swollen even with small movements like walking 100 meters, stopping him to continue walking as that leg gets heavier to lift. Despite applying ice several times a day. Now we are worried that we have done too much exercise or something not right. Could u please tell us if it is normal to have swelling like that suddenly in week 4 or is it because of something that we have done wrong. Thanks a lot.
I had TKR in July and I was ahead of where I should be but I have the issue of coming down stairs. I can’t get in my brain correct way to come down and that I am not going to fall. Any suggestions ? I have been done with therapy since 6 weeks after surgery thank you and love the video
I need a knee replacement but I am terrified of the aftermath-especially pain. Tylenol just does not work for me. I use ibuprofen now but couldn’t, I’m told, after surgery. I am 83 and in good health but don’t know if I can tolerate the rehab. Any advice?
I am at 6 weeks and doing well in PT. My bend is at 132. I have little pain, but do have stiffness. Today I lifted a 28lb box of cat litter and now I have some light throbbing on the inside of my knee. Did I injure my knee?
Did you find an answer? Wondering 5 months post op picked up an 80# cement bag and I feel like I lost some extension, like I am almost walking on my tip toes. Not really but you get the idea.
How about 2 years on? I carry logs back to the house in big bags4life (30-40 Ibs) and my knee hurts. Why, I am only 100 lbs. How come the knee can't cope. I don't geddit. The old knee is doing better. Can you talk about how much weight a new knee is supposed to bear - 2 years on? I notice bruising on the outside, just above the kneecap. What's that? I didn't knock it. Thank you.
7 months PO. I shoveled and was pushing w too many steps and hurt my knee and all the muscles started freaking out. Surgeons office said use the cane for a bit ….. finally the muscles are better
Dr. Adam I did my exercises on time and went physio but my extension and Rom not good after three months . Surgeon said after 6 you need manipulation, then he changed his mind and left me like this ,what should I do ? Why surgeon don’t do their job 😢😢 I am in pain
You might benefit from a second opinion. The earlier the manipulation the better to prevent permanent stiffness. This video might help answer some of your questions -ua-cam.com/video/15Wf0cDoFJI/v-deo.html
Every patient is different. Depends on their strength, range of motion and balance. Check with your doc or physio and they can guide you to when it is safe. If you have clip in pedals I recommend turning the tension down so they release easy for a while until you get more comfortable.
Depends on a lot of factors, especially your progress and range of motion. If motion is limited many of my patients have pain until the get past 100 degrees. If your motion is good talk with your surgeon and therapist, if the pain stops you from doing therapy it could be doing more harm then good.
Why can’t I run after TKR? I’m 5’10”, 140 lbs. I’m a life long runner and have a smooth stride. I don’t want to race anymore but I would like to run. I am 81.
I'm a runner myself. I had my TKR surgery on 10/10/22. Some Surgeons say running is doable some say no. The common thread I've found is that there will be wear on the "plastic" insert. But how much? There are a lot of factors as I'm sure you know. I've consistently read/heard to expect a good 12 months for your leg to heal up. This is a major surgery with a lot of soft tissue that has to recover. I've got at least one more Marathon in me. In the meantime, there's gonna be 5ks, 10ks, and on and on. Healing is just gonna take time! 😊
I still have a question Dr. Rosen Had a TKA (L) in 2019 also being in the top 1% , quit PT as they did not push enough very min pain, fast forward 6/28/22 scheduled for TKA (R) 2 things I plan on stepping up PT 10% + as long as pain is tolerable is that over doing it ? Why is the 2nd TKA different then the first ? My Surgeon said it can be better or worst but never the same although he did the first surgery ? I did not want to asked as I did not want him to think I was questioning his skills .
How are you doing today? My TKR was June 28 too. First (and only) but I saw a video today about what to expect and one of the items was, your two knees will be different. Same surgeon, same technique, different post op. Hopefully it will be better!
@@HeidiSue60 Good Morning Heidi , everything went well I’m off all pain meds , progression is good not much different from my first knee , I do push myself walking more then the physical therapist Likes as she’s worried about falling but at this point they are exactly the same so I’m optimistic there won’t be the better or worst scenario . Good luck to you and a speedy recovery . Always remember take good care of your self .
@@992turbos8 well done on getting off all pain meds! Currently Tylenol is the only pain med that I am taking unless there is actual pain and then I take one tramadol but I’ve only had to take tramadol one time in the past week. i’m really making myself walk, too. Today I walked unaided. Graduated from the walker last week and this morning I left my cane propped against the couch and walked a couple of rounds in my living room on my own two feet. I really want to get back walking again and even though it is painful, I know that there’s only one way through this and I’m going to go that way. Thanks for your response. Best of recovery to you as well.
Thanks Dr Adam. When should a person start walking unassisted by devices? I have read all kinds of answers to this from 2 to 6 weeks. You seem modern and progressive, what is your recommendation?
If someone is not using a cane or walker before surgery, and is healthy, I tell them they will need the walker for about 2 days and the cane for 2 weeks. They might still use the walker to get up to use the bathroom during the night, but the quicker they get to the cane, the faster they recover. I tell them most people are off the cane at 1 month but many bring it to the office because they were not sure where they would park and they have to walk into the office. Now, someone who is older, sicker or weaker may need a walker for 2-3 weeks, so everyone moves at a different pace but if there is not a fall risk the quicker you get away from them the faster people tend to recover.
@@dradamrosen Thank you so much Dr Adam. 60 years old and healthy, I used crutches for about 2 weeks and slowly weaned off of them. 4.5 weeks out now and walking unassisted in small amounts every day. Knee can get sore and stiff but not terrible. Still icing often. Doing all my PT exercises a few times a day. I really appreciate your input as there is all kinds of differing info on this matter.
My opinion……the surgical procedure in itself is a large injury when it comes to a TKR. So if your muscles and tendons were tight going in, you will have TONS of pain during PT and for years thereafter and probably for the rest of your life. The manipulations necessary to perform the procedure is on a major scale. I’m living with the remnants of this for over 8 years. I pushed through the rigor of pt for months to a point where the pain was getting worse day by day. What is being said here in this video is of a generic nature. There’s no guarantees people. Expect your complaints to eventually fall on deaf ears. TKR surgery isn’t for everyone. May God Bless.
We need to develop better pain relievers that are not opiates! It’s sad that so many people finally get their mobility back, only to lose their lives to addiction…
May l find your advice related to full knee replacement excellent. I am was just over a week from my second knee replacement (my first being 13y ago and been a complete success ) l was doing good bend was very good at 90 discomfort rather than pain, exercising every 4hrs and walking around the house with and without walkers or a cane a few mins 3o4 times a day............then!!! A massive change in the pain when doing knee bend excersise, it was a lunge knee using the bottom stair l felt really bad pain in the side of my knee,, the bend was not resteicted any but at the same point during bend and straightening the pain was the worst l have experienced with both knees. It has prevented me from tonally from bending my knee as the pain is so so bad. Iam due to see the physio tomorrow and was told rest it a couple of days ice and continùe to bend the knee but.reduce the intensity. This l have done and the pain has become less bus so as my bend, lam petrified not being able to get the movement back l had due.scar tissue,......if increase the intesity the pain is horrendous.. ...help !
My dr Potoshnick closed all his books on me from day one 1 he denies my rights to ask Qs or a follow up care, my surgeon also Refuses referring me to a 2nd ioinion nor helping me in any way, NO SUPPORT ZERO ZILCH im frustrated🙄😔
I'm at 3 weeks post-op Rt TKR. At 90+ degrees flexion and ~ 4 degrees short of full extension. We are taking a slow walk, with the cane, around the block most days. I did Pre-op PT for 4 weeks. I didn't even know that was a thing. I recommend it HIGHLY! I have to say that my wife has been a KEY to my staying on track. I'm at PT twice a week and doing the work at home 3 times a day. (Twice on PT days) Everyone is going to be different. Having a routine has been key. I use the R.I.C.E. method and recommend it highly. Rest (Sleep 8 hrs+). Ice (20" every hour). Compression (Wear those T.E.D. Hose!). and Elevation. If I'm sitting, I'm elevating my leg. Knee at or above the heart level. I have a timer always set at 40 minutes to remind me to get up and move around a bit. Having said all of that, I woke up yesterday with an empty tank. So. I got up anyway, but chilled out, and took an "easy" day. Today has been fine. I feel confident I'll have a very good outcome. You can too! 😊
TKR in July of 2023. 100° flexion 2 days after surgery! At 5 weeks after surgery, and I now have 135° flexion.
Yes, it hurts.
As someone else said: "no pain, no gain." VERY TRUE!
Do the PT! Physical Torture, but worth it.
Edit: 12 days after TKR surgery (90 days later) on my OTHER knee, I am at 122° flexion and achieved 0° extension. The PT at home helps out tremendously. Riding my bike has helped the most.
Everyone is different, until you have a TKR you do not know how painful this procedure can be. “Pushing past the pain” is one of the worst phrases I’ve ever heard and my excellent Consultant and physio team in the UK are horrified when they hear it. Talking about people at the top % or bottom % is counterproductive too, hard enough being in pain without being labelled. Damage can be done and coming back from that is even harder. Listening to your own body helps, it’s telling you something. I’m now 6 weeks and doing absolutely fine, but not “killing myself in pain” my OA pain is completely away and I am gently working my way through day by day. As my surgeon says only 20% of healing has occurred at this stage, this is a marathon not a sprint, steady progress is best and ignore the eejits who want to turn all things into a league. 🥰🏴🇬🇧
Very well said! I am presently 6 weeks post TKR operation. The initial pain is horrific, and 'pushing past the pain' is completely unrealistic.
70 year old woman that is 1 week post op. Found your vids. Today I was in a slump thinking I had made the worst mistake of my life. I needed this motivation. I'm at 90° and looking for more exercises than the 3 exercises I was sent home with and putting in a call to my doctor about pt. Thank you for your inspiring words.
I’m 4 weeks post bilateral knee replacements. I too have had major regret…..this is really tough. Hope you are doing well now….❤️
I’m so sorry, I hope you have moved forward significantly. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. We are individual in every way. I am 72 and almost 3 wks po from RTKR. But my Dr makes his patients set up PT before the surgery. I did that 2 months prior and had my first PT appt at 4 days po. Both the hospital and the surgeon gave me several pages of exercises to do, some of them were preop. I was so worried about the first PT appt but they were great, did a complete evaluation taking into account my age too. I was so shocked when they measured my flexion at 80. I really think it all made a difference as I have progressed to flexion of 105. I went into this with no expectations because I knew it was very painful. I need my L one done as well but my therapist thinks I need to have a more complete healing before I even think about that. They know what will work best for their patients and I respect that. If I have a down day it’s usually from fatigue or a rough PT session the prior day. So don’t be hard on yourself, the next day is always better. Surgery this big is hard and emotional too. Wherever you are on your healing journey, keep pushing through. I am told we are warriors! 💕
My original TKR was in February of this year, 2023 and I was doing fine; then I fell, broke the implant which in turn went up my knee and broke my femur. I then had a TKR near the end of March and the rest is history. I'm on the mend, 3-4;more weeks of PT then in October back to the doc. I enjoy PT but will be glad to get back to my chair aerobics class and do PT in my own. 😊 Thanks for good info!
Eight weeks after my TKR I can achieve 120 degrees w pain level 7-8 (out of 10). Until last week, 120 ROM was only possible with pain level 10+. I work on it 3x per day and my wife helps by pushing the knee to the 120 deg limit & I made a device that helps me measure the angle. Anyone contemplating this procedure should recognize u may endure unrelenting, unending pain that sends spikes thru the leg in the middle of the night when u r trying to sleep. The knee regime will consume your life, 100% of your attention and focus will be to get range of motion back so listening to cheerleaders like Rosen doesn't fully help the patient understand what may be ahead. One of the nurses said it best, after the first 2 days u will feel like u were hit by a truck. Nurses seem to be very honest. I have achieved 120 deg ROM, but the price in pain was extraordinary and I will NOT do the other knee which is just as arthritic as the "fixed" knee. If u overdo it, you will know because the dull pain and the spikes will increase big time. Had I changed my exercise routine to a recumbent bike I could have avoided this horrific event in life. OXY was helpful but the side effects were drowsiness, nausea, insomnia and weight loss. Glad to be off of OXY but the weight loss helped the non repaired knee. I use ICY Hot w Lidocaine for the constant, dull pain, and Pure Magnesium Oil to arrest the electrical spikes which I assume come from nerves that were cut during the procedure and have yet to heal.
My first TKR I went home with only 78 degrees of flexibility. I hit the panic button and exercised that knee ! Throughout the day and the night as I couldn't sleep. I pushed myself to the limit of pain. I ended up at 8 weeks with 130 degrees and that knee is fantastic. Pain is your friend at this stage. Don't ignore it but push through as much as you can. Take frequent rests. I found myself holding the knee and sending loving thoughts. Second TKR started off better, 90 degrees the next day ! But I developed a bleed when the antibiotic needle was taken out so spent 3-4 days trussed up and immobile till it stopped. I ended up with only 125 degrees and a less happy knee. This emphasises the need to exercise from day 1, and that pain is your friend. Thanks Adam and good luck everyone !
100% spot on! At two months post op I was riding my bike 5 miles and felt it more in my non-surgical knee (it gets replaced in late-May) than my surgical knee. At 2 weeks I was at 100 degrees and at 4 weeks 125. At 6 weeks I was doing gentle squats at the gym. The PA and surgeon were thrilled but I worked really hard at PT. I’d come home and ice my knee. No pain, no gain and never thought I was doing too much. Had a great PT team too. Now that I know what to expect and how to achieve an excellent outcome, it will be easy to recover and rehab the left knee. Oh…I’m also 69 years young with a very positive attitude which helps enormously too. BTW…your book is excellent. You and my surgeon are of kindred mindsets.
Glad to help and sounds like you have a great team. Good luck on the left side.
At 8 weeks out, I remain very compromised, stiff and swollen, though there has been progress. hard to remain optimistic but these vids are helpful. Wish the med community advocated Pre Hab more vigorously - I got myself involved 4 weeks out, but don’t think I accomplished much. So now feel the strain of “catching up”. PT aggravates the knee so I try to measure 2 45 minute sessions daily w little tweaks at the kitchen counter or in a chair. Hate the meds so am confronted w that dilemma. Asked my surgeon about cupping and am glad he approved…biggest flexi on improvement to date since I began cupping the knee and thigh as part of PT. There is a huge opportunity for someone to seize the knowledge market encompassing the best modalities available for a focused approach to recovery… there is a wealth of talented caregivers out there! Thanks for your insights - inspiring!
I had bilateral total knee replacement 9/14/22. At 66 had a lot of pain before surgery for years so standing with no pain is such a relief. Done with physical therapy at 6 weeks and surgeon released me until my anniversary. But had 125-130 range of motion at 3-4 weeks with mild discomfort. Never pushed myself, just listened to the therapists. They were all great. Get both knees done at same time if needed don’t wait. It’s better and recovery is done and over with.
Im getting both mine done next tuesday
Hi, I live in the UK, and finally, I'm set to have a full knee replacement in just under a month now, and I just wanted to say that out of all of the videos I've watched over the last 12 months (and I've watched plenty) since I finally got in to the queue for the op, your style and presentation has been the most useful, and every question I've been thinking about you've covered in your vlogs, and in your book. So many thanks for all your work producing these very informative videos, they've been a great help in preparing for the new knee, I feel I know what to expect and what I need to do to make a success out of the procedure. Thank you. 👋
You are welcome and thank you for the kind words. All the best in your recovery - sounds like the wait times over there are still very long.
Hi, I’m a Glaswegian living in the states. Just saw you message from months ago, how is your knee now?? I’m scheduled for a TKR in Dec 23.
@lindamadden7264 Hi, thanks for getting in touch. My Dad was from Lanark. My leg now is brilliant, honestly. It's 9 months since the op now (Dec 14th 2022) and it's completely changed my life around. I took all the advice I could and worked hard at the pre-op exercises to strengthen the muscles, and I'm sure that helped a lot. The op went well, the hospital used a robot tool to align the joint, and post op, the pain relief ensured I could start working on bending the leg even before I was allowed to stand. I had a bit of trouble with low blood pressure for a couple of days, so I had to stay in bed, but that allowed me to concentrate on slowly manually bending my knee (I had no feeling in the leg for a couple of days so couldn't move it independently). Normally, people are sent home after 3 days, but my blood pressure issue meant I was in for 6 days. I was sent home with two crutches, after 3 wks, I was using just one, and after 4 wks, I was walking unaided, if a little slowly. Things I found really useful were ice packs that can be refrozen, (should only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time), a rubber shower plaster-cast leg shield, to allow showering as soon as I got home, (I cut the foot off as I only needed to keep the knee dry, and its less slippy) and a double loop strap to help with lifting the leg up onto a chair to rest it, and to help to bend the knee until I could bend it without help. (All bought off amazon). Importantly, I realised that its the swelling in the joint that makes the bending difficult at first, so the ice packs made a big difference, and I worked hard at following the bending exercises, sliding my foot backwards and forwards etc. It takes time, but each day, there were little improvements, then bigger improvements followed. I took full advantage of the pain relief I was sent home with as it's fairly difficult to manage the exercises without it, and I was determined not to be trapped by scar tissue developing in the knee and causing problems later on. You've got around 6 wks to get to a reasonable bend in the knee before the deeper tissue starts to scare over, so it's this first period that requires most attention. After 5 wks I started short walks outside with a cane for ballance, and from that point, it all started to come together. At 6 months, I returned to hospital for a follow-up appointment, and the physio who I was to meet thought I was the wrong patient due to no decernable limp or difficulty in walking. We're all different and heal at different rates, but put in as much effort as you can without overdoing it, take plenty of rest with an elevated leg, and use the pain relief offered until you feel you don't need it and the swelling goes down. You'll be fine, and by putting in the work before and after the op, you'll be back to walking pain-free before you know. Best of luck, and let me know how you get on. Geoff.
@@geoffcampbell7846 thanks for responding! I’m so glad it worked out so well for you. I’m doing the pre op exercises, etc, and I show Scottish Deerhounds so really want to be able to run without my knee hurting for days afterward.
IMy ortho doc says I should have a good recovery so fingers crossed. I’ll keep you posted!
I really appreciate your frank and honest videos. I’m six weeks into a TKR which was complicated by the need to remove lots of scar tissue from previous surgeries 20 years ago, after the knee was pinned and plated back together after being crushed in a car accident. I’m 46, so really need my knee to get super strong and last many years. It now fully straightens and have 108 degrees bend, which is now better than pre op. Your videos really give me a boost to keep pushing which the exercises.
Thanks Dr Rosen for your videos. I’ve added the kitchen chair routine to my PT. I’m 6 days post op and my range of motion is about 110 right now. Today, I’ve added walking around the block twice a day as well. The pain is there of coarse. But i take my pain meds as needed and Ice my knee 3-4 times a day. The worst part of my day is evening and first thing in the morning. The stiffness is extreme in the morning and i start with my meds and then my PT routine. Thanks again!
I developed patellar tendonitis about 3 months after my first knee replacement. This was not a result of PT, but of doing too much at the gym and other activities. I'm now about 5 weeks post-op on my second knee. I am better now at distinguishing pain that is helpful, and when it's time to back off a bit. I had another therapist suggest PT should be uncomfortable, but not super painful. Finding the 'sweet spot' of productive discomfort can be hard at first.
While facing my 2nd knee replacement this week, I have enjoyed watching your videos. I must congratulate you on your communication skills, quite exceptional among orthopaedic surgeons ( at least in Britain) of whom I have known many! The last time ,2014, it was a piece of cake, but I had to work it out for myself no one told me the things you have let me know. I'm truly grateful, Richard MBChB (retired)
Thanks for the kind words. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Great information ! I'm 7 months post op and feel great. I really pushed myself with home PT and appointments and it really paid off. I'm so happy with my new knee.
Wonderful!
I’m thankful for your videos!!! I had TKR and and based on my range of motion in the two week follow up and PT, I’m “way ahead of schedule”. I’m 61 and am very active and at 2 weeks got rid of my walker, 3 weeks have climbed the NRG stadium steps for the Houston Rodeo, slow danced with my wife at the Zac Brown Band concert, worked training roping horses in the round pen and doing pasture maintenance on our tractor. My pain has been controlled with pain meds, but I’ve weaned myself off of them and only take partial doses at night to help get a decent amount of sleep. I’m icing my knee for an hour five times a day and at night to control swelling using a cuff and cooler pump system.
HOWEVER, this past week I started noticing significant swelling, pain and what I feel is lateral looseness on the anterior lateral portion of the knee. My doctor had mentioned that during surgery, when they “straighten” my leg, there may be some ligament loosening or tightening based on the tension difference prior to surgery as compared to post surgery. However, this was something that seems to have just started a few day past three weeks. I had a knee reconstruction on the same knee back in 2006.
My question (finally) is, could I have possibly done some ligament damage by overdoing it that may be presenting itself?
Thank you and I have subscribed!!!
just under 6 weeks post TKR, range of motion is 130 and straightening to about 2 degrees of full extension. I was at 120 degrees at just under 4 weeks (I am an overachiever). My biggest problem is pain behind the knee, after watching this video I am probably doing too much. I do about 6-8 different motion exercises twice a day, ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes a day and walk about 1.2 miles per day. Thanks for the SLOW DOWN OVERACHIEVER message, Dr. Rosen.
Sounds like you are doing great. Glad the info helped.
My husband had TKR Nov 14. He wakes up and knee feels fine. He does his therapy and he says it feels like a vice is squeezing his knee. He rides the bike and has done his therapy faithfully. He told his surgeon and he didn’t act concerned
One week today post op right total knee replacement . Love the information in your videos.
Be of luck to you, go easy it is a long and sometimes very painful rehad.
I am a little over 9:weeks and my ROM and extension are doing well. I normally exercise a few times a day but am experiencing pain behind my knee. As a result my knee is experiencing more inflammation and stiffness. I appreciate your advice, I think I will dial it back a bit here and there. My biggest fear was regression.
I was putting my face in my pillow at home when my p.t. [ ain't and torture) pushed down on the upper and lower leg to straighten my leg out. It was the most pain I had. I had to go off oxycontin because it wasn't helping. It only makes me nauseous. I have been walking at Forest Preserve for the last 2 weeks. I'm getting ready for 1st 5k in September. May 3 was my surgery.
I know that I'm going to catch hell for this but here goes. I had knee replacement surgery 11 days ago. I walk with no assistance and here is the hell part. I am NOT going to physical therapy. I have chosen to do it on my own . ANY positive advice, leaving the "You HAVE to go to physical therapy." I do stretches, exercises...plenty of activity and my range of motion is great. I've looked for a link to help assist me with my home care...guiding me through this on my own. Thanks in advance...
Great to hear. You are one of those 1%ers.
Thank you. I’m having bilateral knee replacement in May. This information will really help my recovery.
Best of luck!
I am 43 and will be 44 when my surgery takes place next month in August 23. I am very nervous about the recovery and trying to get back to work as a firefighter/paramedic as soon as possible as I can’t afford to take a lot of time off, on the other hand, the pain of doing my normal day things is to the point that it hinders my life. I have been trying to find as many videos I can to know what to expect and looking for encouragement that perhaps I can use this TKR to be able to move forward and return to a better quality of life at my age. I have put a lot of hard miles on this knee that was damaged in a car wreck 20 years ago, and used to be in great shape, unfortunately due to pain I have stepped way back (no pun) from being as active as I once used to be, and in as good of shape as I used to be just a few years ago.
I feel your concern. I’m 46 and had my tkr in June. It’s tough for the first month. Just take meds and ice as directed. Good luck on your surgery.
Just had my surgery yesterday and today feeling the pain. It’s completely numb which is concerning, and I start therapy this afternoon. Not sure what to expect, but day 2 sucks lol
@@Bvinson0879 hang in there. There will be good and bad days mentally and physically. Any questions feel free to ask.
Thank you Dr Rosen. RTK done in Oct 21. Said to myself I would never do it again, until it starts affecting my life. I am 63 and had my LTK done (2days ago)Monday. It sucks, as the nerve blocks have now worn off. Advice, everyone is different. The rehab on each knee can be quite different. Painful, yes, depressing, yes, second thoughts, absolutely. But what are you going to do for the rest of your life? Limit your activities and live in a chair? I’ll give up 3 month of pain for the next 20 yrs of my life. Do your PT, ice machine, trust your Dr., trust your therapist and don’t think about “not” doing your PT, just because it hurts. Push yourself thru it. 100s of thousands do each year, in the US alone.
60 yr old female. I’m 7 weeks out from a TKR. Was healing well, less pain till I did squats during physical therapy a week ago. I felt pain but it got worse… that night started feeling a cutting sharp pain in and under my kneecap. Ice, rest, elevation has not helped. Worried my implant is damaged! My range of motion now is diminished. I’m so upset. Seeing my surgeon tomorrow. Just wanted to get your input, opinion as you seem knowledgeable. Thanks. Susan
Always good to get x-rays and have the surgeon check your ligaments and extensor mechanism (the quad tendon, kneecap and patellar tendon) to make sure everything is okay. Hopefully it is and just an inflammatory response. Wishing you a quick rebound in your recovery.
Hi Susan, are you ok? What did your surgeon say? I'm a Brit too 😊
Iam having TKR next month iam so scared but this is the best vid I’ve seen
Don’t be worried too much. I am a 42, male athlete and had my TKA 4 days ago. I was very scared of the pain-stories of some people.
My pain level was a 2/10 on the first 2 days (nerve block wear off) but the last 2 days it only increased to a 3.5/10.
I am only taking Ibuprofen now. No narcotics. But your Doc wil help you with pain management.
My nr. 1 tip would be to get or rent an ice machine (like game ready).
That helped so much to control tge swelling and pain. 1 hour after the OP I started 24/7 with icing.
60min icing, 30min exercise like my physio explained.
Good luck. It will all go great 💪
Be sure to check out my other videos and my book. The more education the better. Knowing what is coming can lessen anxiety. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I am scheduled for a TKR surgery and would like to know how risky it is to go with a surgeon that does not use Computer Navigation Technology!!
Yes. You’re welcome.
Thank you! Going in for my second TKR on 11/22/2022. You answered so many questions for me. Most importantly about can I do too much? My arthritic knee is now demonstrating pain as my TKR side not so much. But I believe I could have worked harder the first go round and had better range of motion. I now feel more comfortable and willing to push myself harder with my 2nd surgery in a couple of weeks. I am 9 months out since my 1st surgery. I wish I would have found you sooner, but glad I stumbled on your UA-cam site now. Again, thank you from the DFW area!
You are welcome. Glad the information was helpful. Wishing you a speedy recovery on #2
Thanks
3 years post TLR I developed massive effusion . Since 3 months What can I do
Your advice
There are a number of reasons for an effusion. Best to see you surgeon to see if they can come up with the cause and a treatment.
I have to have my left knee replaced due to Avascular Necrosis.Just not looking forward to the rehab.
Brilliant, very good advice!
Thank you for your video, it really helped.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You Dr. Rosen For Your Informative Information. Just Had A TKR On October 28th 2022.
Am @90 Degrees In Range Of Motion. I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis In The Knee. Working Hard On Tightness/Stiffness. Any Other Suggestions You Could Give Me To Assist With The Stiffness Please. FROM THE BAHAMAS 🇧🇸
I am day 4 and the swelling is still increasing TKR despite High elevation with ice cold therapy timed. I walk and move hourly. Can only tolerate Tylenol and Meloxicam. Loss ROM due to three times swelling. Wearing compression. Need suggestions.
Your videos are so helpful! I used to love baths, however, now it is so hard getting in and out of the tub! I am 10 weeks out and doing okay.
Glad they were helpful. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
I had surgery two weeks ago. Started PT five days after surgery. When I go to PT I always get short of breath. Once they sent me to the emergency room because my oxygen level was too low. I expected PT to be hard but this is a bit disconcerting.
It really does make a difference!
Thanks!
I am 52 days out from my Total Knee Replacement ( Left Knee ). I have Outpatient Physical Therapy sessions twice a week. I also perform self therapy sessions at home, such that I’m effectively completing 2 therapy sessions a day(either Outpatient or Self). Prior to my knee surgery, I was doing Bodyweight & HIIT Interval Workouts 3 days a week with a day or two of rest between workouts for muscle & joint recovery. I also averaged over 10,000 steps/day according to my Fitbit. Should I incorporate Recovery Days into my TKR Physical Therapy sessions? I am 73 years old and anxious to return to my normal workout routine, but don’t want to sabotage any progress by rushing it or neglecting the recovery process.
My Extension = 2, Flexion = 117.
Again, my main question here is … Should I incorporate Recovery Days into my TKR Therapy Routine( 2 sessions per day, approx 1.2 hrs long)?
I guess I am way behind . Eight weeks after surgery ... 107 flexion
I hope mt PT pushes me hard im for bilateral TKR next week
I'm not doing tough mudder until next year. 😊 Question. Is my hip and foot supposed to be hurting. There is little tendinitis in my foot and a little clicking in hip. A little arthritis from moning hip out to side to put on pants.
Great information Dr .
Thank you!
You're welcome.
Thank you! Is it common for range of motion after knee replacement to lessen over time?
I am on my 5th day post ops knee replacement, I am following you on the exercises, helps me a lot. I noticed I cannot raise my leg if I were to try raise it on my bed sitting position, what should I do?
Hi, I just noticed your message and thought I'd reply. I had a full knee replacement 9mths ago, and at first, I had the same problem with not being able to lift my leg off the bed at all. I used a lifting strap (a double loop strap for lifting the leg from Amazon), and that helped tremendously both in lifting the leg and also encouraging it to bend. The movement did come back in time, but the strap helped to start the bending early on to fend off the scar tissue building up. If you can't get hold of the double loop strap, try a belt off a dressing gown, that's what I did at first and it helped. You'll get there, just keep working at it. Take care.👋
When I ask if I am doing too much, what I mean is too much of all activity. At 8 & 9 weeks post-op, I still have exhaustion. I fell asleep for a split second on the highway; totally unexpected. So no more driving except to PT. Is this normal? Should I rest more or push through the deep fatigue? I usually push through it. People need me and do not understand my fatigue. I find it hard to say "no" to commitments. BTW, I'm off all pain meds.
Thanks for your helpful videos. I had btkr two and half years before (march 2021). I experienced a sudden locking like thing in my right knee with a sharp pain and I couldn’t move my knee. After slightly massaging and making very soft baby movements, with clicking i got released and felt very normal. This happened twice during the last two months. Very much worried. Could it be anything serious?
This is very helpful.
Glad you think so!
I'm 4.5 weeks post-op - total knee replacement. What's confusing for me is not the pain as much as increased stiffness (115 degrees to 45 degrees) the morning after physical therapy. Can someone explain the benefit? My therapist warned me, "You'll be in pain tomorrow," but the stiffness feels like a regression.
Everyone is different and we can't always predict biology. talk with your surgeon and the therapist to see if anti-inflammatories would help and maybe try dialing back therapy 10% to see if there is not the rebound pain and stiffness.
Thank you very interesting!
Hello my dad is 4 weeks and 3 days post bilateral TKR. He was doing really good in terms of swelling, pain and ability to do exercises. But for the last few days R) knee is getting really swollen even with small movements like walking 100 meters, stopping him to continue walking as that leg gets heavier to lift. Despite applying ice several times a day.
Now we are worried that we have done too much exercise or something not right. Could u please tell us if it is normal to have swelling like that suddenly in week 4 or is it because of something that we have done wrong.
Thanks a lot.
Hi Dr should I still be elevating my tkr leg at seven weeks
I had TKR in July and I was ahead of where I should be but I have the issue of coming down stairs. I can’t get in my brain correct way to come down and that I am not going to fall. Any suggestions ? I have been done with therapy since 6 weeks after surgery thank you and love the video
I need a knee replacement but I am terrified of the aftermath-especially pain. Tylenol just does not work for me. I use ibuprofen now but couldn’t, I’m told, after surgery. I am 83 and in good health but don’t know if I can tolerate the rehab. Any advice?
if you can live with it, don't get it done. am 9 weeks out and am not going back for my other knee too painful.
I am at 6 weeks and doing well in PT. My bend is at 132. I have little pain, but do have stiffness. Today I lifted a 28lb box of cat litter and now I have some light throbbing on the inside of my knee. Did I injure my knee?
Did you find an answer? Wondering 5 months post op picked up an 80# cement bag and I feel like I lost some extension, like I am almost walking on my tip toes. Not really but you get the idea.
Will I be able to return to the gym?
How about 2 years on? I carry logs back to the house in big bags4life (30-40 Ibs) and my knee hurts. Why, I am only 100 lbs. How come the knee can't cope. I don't geddit. The old knee is doing better. Can you talk about how much weight a new knee is supposed to bear - 2 years on? I notice bruising on the outside, just above the kneecap. What's that? I didn't knock it. Thank you.
SO helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
7 months PO. I shoveled and was pushing w too many steps and hurt my knee and all the muscles started freaking out. Surgeons office said use the cane for a bit ….. finally the muscles are better
Dr. Adam I did my exercises on time and went physio but my extension and Rom not good after three months . Surgeon said after 6 you need manipulation, then he changed his mind and left me like this ,what should I do ? Why surgeon don’t do their job 😢😢 I am in pain
You might benefit from a second opinion. The earlier the manipulation the better to prevent permanent stiffness. This video might help answer some of your questions -ua-cam.com/video/15Wf0cDoFJI/v-deo.html
I'm just curious: how long "on average" can one get out and mountain bike after having a TKR? TIA!
Every patient is different. Depends on their strength, range of motion and balance. Check with your doc or physio and they can guide you to when it is safe. If you have clip in pedals I recommend turning the tension down so they release easy for a while until you get more comfortable.
I’m going on 6 months and know I’m having pain everyday and night. Going up stairs when I sit too long to stand up , nothing is helping m
Hi..I had mine done a month ago..im wondering how you are doing now..I'm having pain after PT..any advice
Is it normal to be in pain from PT all week to the point where I can't do much of my other exercises??
Depends on a lot of factors, especially your progress and range of motion. If motion is limited many of my patients have pain until the get past 100 degrees. If your motion is good talk with your surgeon and therapist, if the pain stops you from doing therapy it could be doing more harm then good.
@@dradamrosen I'm 3 weeks and at 100 degrees
Why can’t I run after TKR? I’m 5’10”, 140 lbs. I’m a life long runner and have a smooth stride. I don’t want to race anymore but I would like to run. I am 81.
I'm a runner myself. I had my TKR surgery on 10/10/22. Some Surgeons say running is doable some say no. The common thread I've found is that there will be wear on the "plastic" insert. But how much? There are a lot of factors as I'm sure you know. I've consistently read/heard to expect a good 12 months for your leg to heal up. This is a major surgery with a lot of soft tissue that has to recover. I've got at least one more Marathon in me. In the meantime, there's gonna be 5ks, 10ks, and on and on. Healing is just gonna take time! 😊
I still have a question Dr. Rosen
Had a TKA (L) in 2019 also being in the top 1% , quit PT as they did not push enough very min pain, fast forward 6/28/22 scheduled for TKA (R) 2 things I plan on stepping up PT 10% +
as long as pain is tolerable is that over doing it ?
Why is the 2nd TKA different then the first ? My Surgeon said it can be better or worst but never the same although he did the first surgery ?
I did not want to asked as I did not want him to think I was questioning his skills .
How are you doing today? My TKR was June 28 too. First (and only) but I saw a video today about what to expect and one of the items was, your two knees will be different. Same surgeon, same technique, different post op. Hopefully it will be better!
@@HeidiSue60
Good Morning Heidi , everything went well I’m off all pain meds , progression is good not much different from my first knee , I do push myself walking more then the physical therapist Likes as she’s worried about falling but at this point they are exactly the same so I’m optimistic there won’t be the better or worst scenario .
Good luck to you and a speedy recovery . Always remember take good care of your self .
@@992turbos8 well done on getting off all pain meds! Currently Tylenol is the only pain med that I am taking unless there is actual pain and then I take one tramadol but I’ve only had to take tramadol one time in the past week.
i’m really making myself walk, too. Today I walked unaided. Graduated from the walker last week and this morning I left my cane propped against the couch and walked a couple of rounds in my living room on my own two feet. I really want to get back walking again and even though it is painful, I know that there’s only one way through this and I’m going to go that way.
Thanks for your response. Best of recovery to you as well.
Help from Stratford Canada
Thanks Dr Adam. When should a person start walking unassisted by devices? I have read all kinds of answers to this from 2 to 6 weeks. You seem modern and progressive, what is your recommendation?
If someone is not using a cane or walker before surgery, and is healthy, I tell them they will need the walker for about 2 days and the cane for 2 weeks. They might still use the walker to get up to use the bathroom during the night, but the quicker they get to the cane, the faster they recover. I tell them most people are off the cane at 1 month but many bring it to the office because they were not sure where they would park and they have to walk into the office. Now, someone who is older, sicker or weaker may need a walker for 2-3 weeks, so everyone moves at a different pace but if there is not a fall risk the quicker you get away from them the faster people tend to recover.
@@dradamrosen Thank you so much Dr Adam. 60 years old and healthy, I used crutches for about 2 weeks and slowly weaned off of them. 4.5 weeks out now and walking unassisted in small amounts every day. Knee can get sore and stiff but not terrible. Still icing often. Doing all my PT exercises a few times a day. I really appreciate your input as there is all kinds of differing info on this matter.
Walking large dogs and sleeping with large dogs?
The only thing that helps with pushing through the pain is Vicodin. Tylenol does nothing for me.
Very helpful, inspiring…thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
My opinion……the surgical procedure in itself is a large injury when it comes to a TKR. So if your muscles and tendons were tight going in, you will have TONS of pain during PT and for years thereafter and probably for the rest of your life. The manipulations necessary to perform the procedure is on a major scale. I’m living with the remnants of this for over 8 years. I pushed through the rigor of pt for months to a point where the pain was getting worse day by day. What is being said here in this video is of a generic nature. There’s no guarantees people. Expect your complaints to eventually fall on deaf ears. TKR surgery isn’t for everyone. May God Bless.
We need to develop better pain relievers that are not opiates! It’s sad that so many people finally get their mobility back, only to lose their lives to addiction…
Because they have more muscle mass
May l find your advice related to full knee replacement excellent.
I am was just over a week from my second knee replacement (my first being 13y ago and been a complete success ) l was doing good bend was very good at 90 discomfort rather than pain, exercising every 4hrs and walking around the house with and without walkers or a cane a few mins 3o4 times a day............then!!! A massive change in the pain when doing knee bend excersise, it was a lunge knee using the bottom stair l felt really bad pain in the side of my knee,, the bend was not resteicted any but at the same point during bend and straightening the pain was the worst l have experienced with both knees. It has prevented me from tonally from bending my knee as the pain is so so bad.
Iam due to see the physio tomorrow and was told rest it a couple of days ice and continùe to bend the knee but.reduce the intensity. This l have done and the pain has become less bus so as my bend, lam petrified not being able to get the movement back l had due.scar tissue,......if increase the intesity the pain is horrendous..
...help
!
My dr Potoshnick closed all his books on me from day one 1 he denies my rights to ask Qs or a follow up care, my surgeon also Refuses referring me to a 2nd ioinion nor helping me in any way, NO SUPPORT ZERO ZILCH im frustrated🙄😔
Do we really need an electric guitar intro?
Gracias!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
De nada.
Surprised you think screaming in pain is anything other than screaming cuz of pain!!!!!😮 lol