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MUA advice, not sure what to expect!

Posted , 6 users are following.

chris1112
chris1112

I'm 42 years old active female with 4 kids and own a business.  I'm always on my feet.  Had a partial knee cap replacement and 5 weeks out post surgery.  I can only bend 75 degrees at most.  My PT has really stepped up the pace and intensity.  I almost passed out in pain today with his pushing on my bend.  After a very intense hour of therapy, my knee stayed at 75, its stuck and he plans to suggest a MUA to my surgeon.  

I just want to get going with movement and exercising my leg.  My joint is weak and my quad has significantly atrophied.  

Did the MUA work, were others able to start moving forward with bending and walking normal.  I would love to walk normal again!!  

I need to do my other knee but need to get this first one to bend.  I almost feel like the MUA is the golden answer!

Any thoughts, I've been stuck for the past 5 weeks and working hard at home exercising and stretching.

Is the MUA the answer and what should I expect?

I would love to hear all input and honest opinions.

Thanks in advance.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX chris1112

    Posted

    This is for TKRs but probably applies to you as well.  Home stuff...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/tkr-rom-work-at-home-620053

    ...and then after the ROM is nearly back, start rebuilding your atrophied quads, glutes and core...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/post-tkr-exercising-565527

    Only the doc can make a call on the MUA...

    • chris1112
      chris1112 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thank you, my PT told me to take the week off.  My doc thinks its inflamed and needs a break,  I'm icing and doing light stretches and start back in PT next week.  My quad keeps having weird cramping and charlie horses.  ready to feel normal again.

      Thanks for the response.

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX chris1112

      Posted

      "Ready" takes a while.  In the meantime, have your doc write you an RX for Voltaren Gel...GREAT topical anti-inflammatory and pain reliever, especially at bedtime.  Make sure he checks for interactions (there really aren't many) to be on the safe side.

  • sharonc67
    sharonc67 chris1112

    Posted

    I’m 50 and had TKR September 2017, ROM wouldn’t move past 90 over 2 months & because of my age they decided it was best to have an MUA to get my ROM better.  Had this last Monday, quick procedure, came round quickly and for the first few days it felt like freedom, movement & ROM better. Unfortunately 5 days later I lost the ROM, knee has swelling and I’m back to square one!  I’ve been doing my exercises as I was determined not to lose the ROM but my knee had its own ideas! I am going to hydrotherapy 3 times this week so I hope it helps. I was also dreading MUA but I am still hoping for great results and it was nothing like a full op. Good luck to you, hope this helps. Sharon 

  • Nance133
    Nance133 chris1112

    Posted

    I’m having the same problem after nearly 2 months post op.  I had bilateral knee replacement and one knee is doing well (bending to 110 degrees). The other is so tight and bending about 75 degrees. My PT is trying so hard to help it along and for me to avoid MUA.  I also want advice. From what i’ve read an MUA can be painful and I fear anesthesia. 
  • MAT2018
    MAT2018 chris1112

    Posted

    If you haven't already, I would go back and read all of Chico Marx posts.  I was pretty depressed at 5 weeks also (RTKR -2/100) after a day like you where I was in tears after PT where they pulled and pulled and my ROM didn't improve.   Chico's posts had me laughing and I now repeat to myself I will get there when I get there.  

    I am now 7 weeks and still at -2/100 but I have a lot of swelling also.  I saw my doctor and he was not concern.  He said he doesn't worry unless after 8 weeks you are still under 90 and even then he doesn't do a MUA until 6 months or later.   He also said to slow down on the exercise (bike/walking), ice, sit/sleep with my leg raised and focus on getting the swelling down and working the exercises for ROM.  Lucky I am retired (I am 60) but I HATE just sitting.   But if the is what I need to do for now I will do it.  

     

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