Knee replacement surgury

[NikkiBay8]

Hey guys. Looking for some advice on what would be good for a client who has had knee replacement surgery and is into their PT. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[chris j]

How long ago was the surgery? And when did they start PT? Was it a total knee replacement?

Yes, lots of questions... I know

 

[Your Southern Can Is Mine]

Sorry...should have been more specific. Surgery was about a month ago. Been doing PT for about 2 weeks. Yes, it was a total knee replacement. I'm not too familiar with knee surgery. Back surgery I can tell ya all about since I've had 3 myself and would have loved it had they offered me a massage after my PT. Many angry muscles not necessarily in the area of my surgery. Mainly from compensation I'm sure. So I figure the same thing may be true here. Could be wrong. Like I said, no experience with people having had knee surgery and don't know anyone who has been through it. Sure I could easily guess at what would be of help having enough knowledge in my brain data banks but would rather ask in hopes that someone here has actually worked with someone who has been through it. Total recovery time will be 6 months according to her doctors.

 

[Punkbmxer69]

Many angry muscles not necessarily in the area of my surgery. Mainly from compensation I'm sure. So I figure the same thing may be true here. Could be wrong. Total recovery time will be 6 months according to her doctors.

Yes, Yes, Yes, No, Yes... maybe longer.

ok, say this is the left side that is effected as an example... first of all the Lateral Rotators, Glutes, QL and hip joint on the left side is going to be majorly effected because of the circumduction movement that is needed to be mobile in order to clear the ground and not trip. Then the gastroc/soleus needs a ton of stretching with approval to make sure it is at a proper length post surgery, it tends to shorten due to the abnormal gait pattern. The Anterior tib will be very tender from increased flexion. Now that is just for the affected side... there may be more possibly lats involved depending on how they compensate. As for the non effected side that is now SCREAMING because it has had to compensate for weightbearing and balance... so that whole leg will need a ton of work. Then it also depends upon what type of crutches/cane/brace/or wheelchair they have been dependent on also has to be taken into consideration. The sites where the braces dig into the skin will be tender, especially at the top and bottom of the brace since it really becomes a pressure area.

So mainly I would just work on the areas that the PT doesn't work on, mainly the rest of the body and leave the localized area for them to deal with until they are on the verge of discharge... especially because they are going to have ROM issues, swelling, and bruising to deal with and then the scar itself...

Good luck, if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Evilcharm]

Great reply!! Thank you for being so detailed on it. Pretty much what I had considered but just wanted input from someone with more knowledge and experience. Already mapping out my strategy in my head after reading this. Thank you again