Physical therapist just keeps pushing

Hi Betty!

Oh, YES! I told the first PT who evaluated me UP FRONT that I would be his hardest working patient, BUT that I responded to kindness, not toughness and to encouragement, not sarcasm and ridicule.

I also told him to NEVER push my knee.

He handed me off to another PT who shared MY philosophy. Together, Sandy and I headed toward awesome progress!😊😊

WE are in charge of our own bodies.

WE know ourselves better than anyone else.

WE can be gentle AND effective!

Be strong!🙌

I have had a couple of lots of physio and afterwards I am in more pain I am told this is normal and that I must keep pushing and stretching but it does really hurt.

I had a really tough pt for the first one. I would scream and even after all of that I still didn't get past 100 maybe 110. I wen back for a couple of treatments and then decided that I could get a better one. I changed and what a difference! I'm progressing very well, 89 the last day...up by 6 from the last visit. And she's very understanding. I believe that it will come in due time. Pt should not be something to traumatize you. I know people that have only done their own exercise and they are fine. A change might be good. 

Hi betty.  There are times when we have to defer to people who have greater knowledge and other times when we know what's best for ourselves. Physio in the small regional area of Sydney where I live is expensive and the best physio is always fully booked so I decided to do private hydrotherapy, with support from my local hydrotherapy staff at hospital. We are allowed 6 weeks of hydro then we're on our own. The physio here was 3 weeks and a bit disinterested. They just left me to my own devices so I found a lady who is kind and gentle and fully qualified but only works a few hours a week. She has shown me some great balance exercises, hamstring, quad and calf exercises. They are all available on youtube. Perhaps it is time to take some personal responsibility and get informed. Knowledge is power and often those who have superior knowledge think they know best for us. I am proud of my recovery. I don't measure flexion or compare myself often to others recovery. I just know that I am healing well, have a great range of movement, although still suffer pain at night. You are only 3 weeks post op. Go gently, ditch the bitch and get some suitable exercises from either a caring physio or source them yourself. It worked for me! BTW a warm hydro pool is amazing for TKR recovery. I've just had 20 skin cancers burnt off so I'm not allowed near the water for 2 weeks. I wish you well. xxx

Yes,you need a good surgeon.

Hi Betty. What country are you in. I'm in the UK. Post op 9 weeks from TKR just had my first one to one physio as stiff and pain behind my knee. The young gentleman I saw was lovely, told me to let him know if too painful. Working on straight leg this time and getting more bend next session. Listen to your body. "No gain without pain" is not applicable. The healing process takes time and patience. Best of luck with the recovery process. You will get there.

I feel your pain! 17 weeks out from tkr. Out of Pt after 8 weeks but doing the excercises on my own. I definitely don't push as hard and quit a lot sooner. Haven't measured either since but looks like it's coming along nicely. I really need to hook up with a gym to better build up those quads. Lazy me! My physio would definitely push, or pull, hard  but in the end it was a better measure and strengthening. But, I will say, when I came in limping and tell her about how bad a day it is, she went easier, more massage and STEM. Have to find one that works with you and your limits and listens to you. Again as  guru OFG says, recovery is "a marathon, not a sprint". Good luck and don't stop. Last hint, I got a five pound flexible weight and put on the knee while propped up on the coffee table watching TV or reading this blog. A grocery sack with a couple big cans of beans works too. Good luck, you're still very early in recovery.