5 weeks post TKR can’t bend knee..

Hi Pat

I had very little physiotherapy from the NHS, just a few visits from a part time Community Physio who gave me exercises to do at home.

In addition to the usual recommended exercises, I was given a couple of simple exercises that can be done in the kitchen, perhaps when waiting for the kettle to boil.  The first one was to hold on to the worktop and march on the spot lifting your knees as high as possible and the second was to stand sideways on to the worktop, holding on with one hand for balance and swing your leg backwards and forwards kicking back as high as possible.  This can be done little and often without too much pain.

Good luck with your recovery.

 

Hi Pat, if you haven't been automatically referred for physio, ask your GP to refer you as you are entitled to 6 sessions on the NHS. Alternatively ring your ortho surgeon'a secretary at the hospital & ask her why you haven't been referred for physio & can she arrange it as you are having difficulty attaining your knee bend. Either way you should be referred but going via the consultants secretary should be quicker! A consultant in the NHS always trumps a GP!!

The bend can sometimes take longer than the straightening in the early days & 5 weeks is still early. You'll have swelling still which doesn't help. Are you elevating & icing?

Just keep at it, do the exercises to the best if your ability at the moment. Quality over quantity is best!

Where are you in the UK?  I'm in Hertfordshire, there does seem to be a postcode lottery as to what you get from the NHS without shouting for it! It shouldn't be but there you have it! 

Good luck, you'll get there.

Marilyn 

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Hi Pat, you're right there are some differences even in England, depending on which Health Authority you're under. The so called health postcode lottery! But I'm fairly sure that if you have major surgery, esp anywhere that affects mobility, you should have  physio afterwards. Otherwise how can you measure your rehab? Without a goniometer you can't know what your rom is. All you know is are you limping or not! As you improve you will need other exercises than on the hospital sheet, which is quite basic! Unless you know a physiotherapist, you won't know exactly what exercises you need. A good physio will tailor exercises to your needs.

I hope you get some help through the secretary. 

Let us know how you're getting on.

Marilyn 

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Hi I’m from the uk too and I had group physio after discharge from hospital until my check up with my consultant when he said he was pleased with my ROM.

Not sure why you haven’t been seen by a  physio as I thought this was the norm 

I am having trouble bending as well. I’m very stiff. My surgery was Jan 18.  Any suggestions?

As you are only 5 weeks out, you are still technically under the hospital. If you are still having random swellings down the leg perhaps phone the ward & speak to the sister in charge for advice. They always say to ring them if you're not sure of something & if necessary they can get the orthopod registrar to give you call back.

Hope it gets better soon

Marilyn 

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Hi,i had TKR on 11/05/2028 and am now nearly 4 weeks post op and was wondering if in time you were able to bend your knee,like you i can stretch my leg out but cannot bend it,i can sit in a chair ok but getting in and out of a car actually makes me cry.