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Physical therapist just keeps pushing

Posted , 16 users are following.

betty525
betty525

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,

0 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

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  • jeanne_06699
    jeanne_06699 betty525

    Posted

    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.
    • betty525
      betty525 jeanne_06699

      Posted

      Yes, Jeanne we know when enough is enough! Your surgeon has a good sense of humor. How long ago did you have surgery?
    • jeanne_06699
      jeanne_06699 betty525

      Posted

      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.
  • Irish_Al
    Irish_Al betty525

    Posted

    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

    • betty525
      betty525 Irish_Al

      Posted

      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

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX betty525

      Posted

      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...
    • betty525
      betty525 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      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.
  • Nextoneplease
    Nextoneplease betty525

    Posted

    Hi Betty smile

    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

  • Nextoneplease
    Nextoneplease betty525

    Posted

    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......
    • betty525
      betty525 Nextoneplease

      Posted

      hi, I did not expect it to be this hard after 3 weeks of hard.  I've definitely learned that recovery is not linear.  It's up and down and hopefully I will get to more up days.
  • mary_ann60812
    mary_ann60812 betty525

    Posted

    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

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX betty525

    Posted

    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.  
    • Irish_Al
      Irish_Al CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      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

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX Irish_Al

      Posted

      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...
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