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Scared of manipulation

Posted , 4 users are following.

terri90278
terri90278

I'm 7 weeks post op on right TKR & making very slow progress. PT & doing exercises on my own is still very painful. I can get to about 90 Degrees but with a lot of pain. I only have pain when exercising & a little at night. My Dr. thinks I may need manipulation. My PT disagrees. He doesn't feel scar tissue and thinks I'm progressing. I'm terrified of manipulation and would appreciate any thoughts.

Also, if it is necessary, what happens after manipulation? Thanks

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • jenny80029
    jenny80029 terri90278

    Posted

    Are you in UK? Is there swelling? If it was my knee I would go with PT's opinion myself. Early days. Slow and steady. Most of my improvements in range of motion came after ten week am when swelling majority reduced! 😀

    • terri90278
      terri90278 jenny80029

      Posted

      I'm in US. Swelling is not bad. Gets worse after exercise or being on my feet. I am leaning towards PT's opinion. Seeing Dr in a few days so I'll know for sure. Thanks.

    • terri90278
      terri90278 jenny80029

      Posted

      Yes, but that's the other issue. I have a very high hiigh tolerance to pain meds. Have already tried 3 different ones without relief so it's very frustrating.

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 terri90278

      Posted

      How annoying! Keep elevating and icing ad much as possible maybe also helpful...best wishes
  • karen14697
    karen14697 terri90278

    Posted

    After manipulation all you do is exercise easier. I had it and went from 95 to 115 within 2 days then to 122 within 2 weeks. It doesn't hurt, they knock you out for 10-15minutes and send you on your way. Important to start exercising it right away to keep it loose. Good Luck. I am 4+ months post TKR and finally doing well.

    • terri90278
      terri90278 karen14697

      Posted

      Thank you. How many weeks were you when you had manip? Was there a difference in pain afterwards in general or during PT & exercise?

    • karen14697
      karen14697 terri90278

      Posted

      It was much easier. Pain a little less but movement was better. Manipulation for me either was at 12 weeks, I think. I progressed quickly after that. No pain in manipulation for me. You'll be glad you had it done.

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 terri90278

    Posted

    Never having had it I'm not a voice of experience but I've seen the opinions of at last 2 dozen people on here and it seems to be a split decision. I'm of the opinion that the fewer times you have to be anesthetized, the better. Outside of that, you have to do What's best for the end results. You are only under for a few minutes and there isn't any ill effects from the anesthesia. The only thing I've ever read, a tiny group has experienced Minor damage (cracking) of the bone. Others say they would never have been able to heal as completely without it.

  • terri90278
    terri90278

    Posted

    Thanks to everyone's responses. Another thing I'm wondering about. After 7 weeks I can bend to 90 degrees on my own but it feels very tight and still experience some pain. Is that normal?

    When is it expected to get there or beyond comfortably?

    • jenny80029
      jenny80029 terri90278

      Posted

      I had same at that time. Now at four months it is fine..feels stiffer and tiny pain when bent at 130 degrees but obviously not bothered about that. Range of motion continues to improve for months and months..mine really moved forwards at around ten to 12 weeks.
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