Yoga strap can help knee replacement range of motion

Use a yoga strap to stretch your knee replacement

1/13/2019

We previously discussed the importance of regaining range of motion as soon as possible following knee replacement surgery. While some patients make this process look very easy, others struggle. It is important to relax while stretching (mentally as well as physically.) If your muscles are contracting while you are trying to increase joint range of motion, you are really just performing an isometric strengthening exercise, and causing pain and inflammation. I recommend extended duration stretching, with duration of stretch measured in minutes, not seconds. This takes advantage of the viscoelastic nature of biologic tissues.

While knee flexibility is diminished you could consider using a non-flexible yoga strap to help you stretch. Below, I have provided a few examples of how I would use such a device to rehabilitate my knee. Feel free to be creative...I am sure you can figure out additional ways to use this strap. Click here for a link to the device I used to make these videos.

The first 3 videos will help you regain flexion while the final video focuses on extension.

Flexing the hip while also flexing the knee focuses most of the stretch on the knee joint. These first two videos demonstrate different ways to accomplish that. In the video below, notice how I am using my torso to generate the force needed to flex the knee. I then take up the slack created in the yoga strap with my arms. Also feel free to use your other leg to help generate flexion force as I demonstrate.

The next video demonstrates how to use the strap to improve knee flexion while keeping the hip extended. This is done in the prone position. This will focus more of the stretch on the quadriceps muscle. I recommend stretching in each of these positions for the best result.

Excellent knee function also requires full knee extension. The strap can help you achieve this as well. In the following video, I loop the strap over the knee to be stretched. I then place my other foot through a loop in each limb of the strap so that it does not touch the ground, but applies an extension force to the knee.

The use of a yoga strap for knee replacement rehabilitation is certainly not mandatory, but simply provides another option to assist you. Always remember to use ice after stretching, hold the stretches for as long as possible, and relax your mind and muscles as much as possible during the stretch.

57 Comments

Reba Pierce

3/17/2019 10:34:23 am

I underwent TKA 5 months ago and achieved zero degrees of extension and 120+ degrees of flexion in the first weeks following surgery. I gave up my cane within the first three weeks. My physical therapist was consistently pleased with my progress. However, I have yet to realize consistent pain-free weight bearing and continue to walk with a limp after just a few minutes of weight-bearing. My surgeon, his physician assistant and my physical therapist have all said it just takes time. At my last visit with the surgeon, he gave me an A+ on my recovery and motion. I requested and received more time with physical therapy--using a different therapist--to work on weight bearing. Have you seen this in patients: adequate ROM with poor weight-bearing?

Christopher Gorczynski, MD link

5/12/2019 11:21:52 am

Everyone recovers at a different pace, and has a slightly different experience. That being said, it is unusual to continue having pain with weightbearing at 5-6 months from surgery...particularly if your range of motion is excellent.

It is important for your surgeon to critically evaluate a few things: knee alignment and soft tissue balance, referred pain from the hip, stress fracture or reaction adjacent to the prosthesis, bursitis.

While it is possible for a patient to have some unexplained pain, this is unusual. Your complaints definitely require investigation.

If your complaints are ignored, I think a second opinion is appropriate.

Sur

1/24/2020 05:11:12 am

I had knee replacement 9 weeks ago. I have a bend of 117 and can completely straighten the knee. When I walk my knee is really stiff like I am still wearing a brace like I did before the surgery. Also every morning the knee is really stiff

1/25/2020 01:33:32 am

At only 9 weeks from surgery your experience is not unusual. This is due to residual inflammation. It may still also feel a bit warm. This should all dissipate with time. Keep gently stretching, use ice, and/or anti-inflammatory medications as needed, and time will almost always take care of this tightness. Expect improvement for an entire year after surgery.

Terry Elliott

12/28/2021 12:55:27 pm

I just had TKR on November 23... It is now December 28... I had my knee at 93. Then I over did with excerices... So now ism At 83.. till lots of pain and stiffness... Therapy only 2x a week... They have cancelled my therapy like 4 times. Short on help... So iam doing the best I can.. I hope ism doing ok. I can walk. My leg is straight out... I just have to keep. Working on stretching my knee.

12/29/2021 09:04:01 am

@Terry Elliott- Having disruptions in physical therapy has become very common. I hope resources like this website, and the videos I have posted online will be helpful to you. Thankfully, the exercises required to get a good result after knee replacement surgery are not difficult.

I think the challenge for patients is knowing what to do, how hard to push, and for how long. Many people fear they are injuring themselves and the unfortunate result is that they do not adequately stretch. I address all these issues throughout this website and demonstrate exactly how to rehabilitate in my videos.

https://www.yourorthomd.com/all-videos.html

Paste this link into your browser and the videos will all be there for you.

Jennifer

2/12/2021 03:46:15 pm

Hi Doctor Gorcznyski,

I really appreciate this source of information, as my knee was doing pretty well, until I had a setback just after 8 weeks post-op and now it is stiff and sore and quite swollen still and I’m more than 4 months in. Nobody seems sure what happened. But of course I am focused on trying to get my range of motion, previously quite good, back. I feel as if it would be fine if there were no swelling (it is now in front and back both!).

I am trying to stretch at least 30 minutes a day but some days it really hurts and seems to make the stiffness and swelling worse, while other days it really seems to help.

I am really getting worried that I will always have this swelling and stiffness, and I’m only 59. Many day I can’t go up and down stairs even properly.

But my real question is this: When people don’t get adequate range of motion is this really because the swelling remains - i.e., never goes away? Or the joint itself just doesn’t flex and extend properly? I feel as if the stiffness is also because of the swelling. I guess I’m also looking for reassurance that when the swelling goes away everything will be fine...is there a chance it never will go away?

Many thanks,
Jennifer

2/14/2021 10:28:18 am

While swelling (fluid in your joint) can create pain and make stretching unpleasant, it is not the reason people end up with a stiff knee. Scar tissue forms between the undersurface of the quadricep tendon and the femur as well as between the soft tissues on the sides of the patella (retinaculum) and the femur. This tight tissue creates a "checkrein" which limits excursion. This, unfortunately, becomes fairly permanent after about 6-8 weeks in most cases.

So, while swelling can cause temporary discomfort, and make stretching less pleasant, this is not the reason knees remain stiff. The scar tissue that is allowed to form is the long term problem. This is why I push patients to regain motion as soon as possible.

Charles Nichols

10/26/2019 11:08:51 am

So, I had RTKR on June 19, 2019, using the Stryker Robot Assist. I completed 8 weeks (2x week) as prescribed. After PT completed, my extension was 2 deg and flexion was 125 deg. I dropped by last week to have them measure and still have same. I ride bike outside 25-30 min 5 days a week, go to gym 3 days a week to do leg presses, leg extensions, and hamstring curls on machines, and 5 days a week, I do heel slides (20, holding for 5 sec), weighted leg lifts (prone and side). My new knee stays about 3/4 in larger than my other knee and is always 1 or 2 degrees warmer, and is extremely stiff across the top of patella and at top of glute tendon. Three month visit with OS said that's OK and xrays look good. Said the small swelling and warmth could last up to a year. After reading your suggestions, I feel I need to continue biking and weight training and leg lifts, but rather than the heel slide set, I need to flex the leg to it's maximum hold to maximum stretch as long as possible and do this throughout the day to accumulate one hour. Am I understanding you correctly? The stiffness is very annoying. Thanks for your reply.

10/28/2019 07:05:57 pm

The stiffness and warmth should gradually resolve with time. Continuing to gently stretch should be helpful. I agree with your plan to remain active. I would suggest eliminating the leg extension exercises as this can be irritating to the patellofemoral joint (kneecap). Other than that, as time goes by (months) you should feel progressively better and better.

10/31/2019 12:14:10 pm

Thanks so much for responding. I had already decided to drop the leg extensions as I felt it was stressing my knee too much. I've started the new stretching routine by doing 6 10 minute sets throughout the day. I've been doing it for 7 days now and I truly think I can feel a little difference. Thanks again doc!

10/28/2019 07:10:11 pm

It sounds like you are making good progress. I would expect gradual improvement in the swelling, tightness, and warmth for many more months.

I agree with your plan to remain active, and continue gentle progressive stretching. My only suggestion would be to avoid the leg extension machine, which is often quite irritating to the knee.

12/28/2021 12:58:53 pm

I feel you...

Beth Stoneberg

3/6/2020 06:12:17 pm

I had RTKR on 1/17/20. Hit a flexion plateau of 75 at 5 wks (no issues with extension).
Had MUA on 2/24/20 and have gained 25 degrees of flexion but have plateaued again at 100. I am almost 2 wks post MUA.
I would like to resolve this on my own (vs 2nd manipation) and as researching effective stretches, came upon your website. I’m intrigued by extended duration stretching and you suggest measuring in minutes vs seconds. In one of your posts, you noted 3x daily but there are no specifics around how long of a hold per exercise. Do you recommend a ttl time of stretch (x3), regardless of which exercises you choose to do)?

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you!

3/6/2020 06:30:54 pm

I would try to stretch so that you are holding the endpoint for a minimum of an hour per day. You can break this up into smaller segments if you wish- I would try to stretch for no less than 10 minutes at the endpoint during each session. If you can manage to maintain your endpoint stretch for longer than a total of an hour per day, your results may be even better.

Gary Anderson

4/29/2020 12:42:35 pm

Not sure if this will work for others. But once I reached 120 degrees, I would lay down watching tv and pull the leg back with my hand towards my back. I did this once and hour and had my heel to my butt in four weeks. I have a right medial knee replace PKR

Natasha Melesse

9/2/2020 11:57:37 am

Hello! I had a MPFL reconstruction and partial replacement on left knee on 8/10/20. I am 2 degrees shy of full extension and at 73 degrees ROM. I feel I have fallen behind on ROM. Should I consider an MUA or continue to try stretching until 6 weeks post op? Also, I am fatigued after about 10mins if walking or standing. Is this normal? Thank you!

9/3/2020 05:21:48 pm

You are definitely a bit behind on range of motion for a standard partial or total knee replacement. Considering you also underwent a medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction at the same time, your surgeon may not actually want you to go beyond 90 degrees until 6 weeks. If this has not been specified to you, it is worth calling the office and asking this question. If they do not want you to limit your motion, I would recommend stretching (using slow, long duration stretches as I describe throughout this website)until 6 weeks. If you do not progress significantly by 6 weeks postoperatively, it is only at that point that I would consider manipulation. And, yes, some fatigue is normal after surgery, sometimes for several months.

11/12/2020 11:54:20 am

Hello again!
So I am now 13 weeks post op. I have full extension and flexion is regularly hitting 115. Can you recommend any exercises I can do at home. I would like to try and gain 10-15 more degrees and not sure what stretches can help make gains at this degree.

Thank you!

11/26/2020 02:10:59 pm

Other than what I have published on this website, I do not have any other "tricks up my sleeve."

The main "trick" is getting to the endpoint, and holding the stretch for as long as possible. The longer, the better.

It looks like you have made tremendous progress since your September comment, where you only had 73 degrees of flexion. Based on this, I recommend continuing to do what you have been doing. It is working well!

Connie S Doe

10/7/2020 06:14:18 pm

I am 6 weeks out of TKR ROM 110 flexion and almost full extension. I am experiencing that tightness on my knee and was reading your post. Could you give me the time durations of holding stretches . It seems that that is helping alot of folks.
Thanks

10/8/2020 02:18:25 pm

I would try to achieve at least 60 minutes at the endpoint every day. Feel free to break this up into shorter segments, but I think a minimum of 10 minutes stretching at the endpoint works best. Avoid cycling your knee back and forth bouncing against the endpoint for only a few seconds. This only creates inflammation without much chance of tissue elongation. Check out the "all articles" tab at the top of this website for a variety of articles supporting my recommendation.

Ruth Wall link

11/28/2020 06:09:07 pm

I have found your website very helpful. Im 3 weeks post op from RTKR. My first TKR was done 4 months ago. I'm 75+ years old and the second surgery has been a little more challenging, but comparing to others in the discussion, I feel I'm on track. My Ortho doc is pleased with progress. Thank you for your website! Ruth

Jeanie

11/29/2020 01:18:22 pm

I was wondering what your opinion was of quad sparing TKR vs traditional surgery. Thank you

12/7/2020 08:37:05 pm

The literature does not show a significant long-term difference between surgical approaches. Every approach has risks/benefits. If you like your surgeon, I recommend they use the approach they feel most comfortable with.

This question comes up much more frequently with regard to total hip replacement.

Where the skin incision is made, and how long the skin incision is has almost no bearing on the outcome.

How the soft tissues are respected by your surgeon, how accurately the implants are placed, and how well you as the patient rehabilitate is infinitely more important than surgical approach.

Shannon

1/28/2021 12:15:19 am

Hi. I had bilateral TKR in 9/1/20. I am still in PT 2X/week. I have had a very slow but sure recovery. I have met my ROM and extension goal. My right knee feels great. Only squatting is challenging. My left knee isn’t so great. I cannot squat, sit to stand,or descend steps without major pain under the patella. PT believes we can work through it. I walk fine, minimal swelling on either knee.
I am a 58 year old Average size woman, fairly athletic and active. I opted for surgery because of Osteoarthritis. I was becoming limited in what I could do activity wise.
Any thoughts in how I could rectify this problem so my left knee works as well as the right knee?
Thanks Doc

2/13/2021 04:48:56 pm

Unfortunately, other than time, stretching, and then progressive strengthening, I do not have any other recommendations. A total knee that remains chronically painful is unusual, but deserves evaluation by your surgeon.

2/14/2021 09:00:37 am

Hi there,

I was just wondering if you could explain what is going on in the knee when we don’t get our ROM back. Is it residual swelling? Or more about the joint itself? I’m doing the stretches, and just waiting for the swelling to resolve, but a bit worried it is taking so long (4.5 months). I do feel that once the swelling goes my knee will be good, and will continue to do the stretches as I am sure they’re helping. Thanks!!

2/14/2021 10:39:55 am

Early after surgery (first 6 weeks), swelling (fluid in the joint) can cause pain and make stretching unpleasant. The problem is that if a patient allows that unpleasantness to interfere with stretching their knee, scar tissue forms which permanently limits knee excursion. This is why I push patients to stretch consistently early on following surgery. It does not get easier with time, it gets harder.

Here is a video I recorded on how to manage a stiff knee:

https://youtu.be/IcDT_XN94n4

Jill

3/19/2021 10:24:11 pm

Very simple and effective.

Lesha Lehmitz

6/21/2021 08:15:22 am

I had a Total Right knee replacement 10 weeks ago. At six weeks I had a MUA. I am at 113 flexion. I can’t seem to get beyond that. My pain is in the back right side of the knee when I bend, almost like something is pinching. Any ideas about this? The front of my knee has never had pain only the back since the surgery.

6/23/2021 08:42:12 pm

Long duration stretching, plenty of ice, NSAIDS if you tolerate them. Consider static stretching brace, for example JAS. All of this plus patience and persistence. Best of luck to you.

Donald Baine

6/27/2021 04:18:43 pm

I am at 6 weeks can flex to 100°/ with help 106° swelling is way down, I'm sure there is some but doesn't seem bad. My flex hasn't gotten any better than at three weeks. when I'm on my back the therapist says he's actually pushing pretty hard, but in the prone position he says it actually feel pretty soft,( I just can't take the pain) and I can take pain pretty good. The pain is in inner side of my knee and is VERY tight. He says in his experience that in the prone position if it's soft, it's normally not scare tissue. My question is, how do you know if it's scare tissue? Or has something just not fell in place legitimates ect. ?

6/28/2021 12:32:28 pm

Stiffness with extended hip (prone position), but not with hip flexed suggests tight quadriceps tendon. If it is tight in both positions, it is most likely just scar tissue/adhesions. It is important to try and relax as much as possible into the stretch, otherwise it is just a strength contest between your therapist and your angry quadricep muscles.

barbara berger link

1/20/2022 04:53:59 pm

I just found your site and have subscribed on utube. You’re just what I need. I’m getting discouraged, 9 weeks postop TKR. My PT tells me my range of motion is great yet I am still having so much stiffness in back of knee along with what I can describe as shin splints feeling. I was able to stretch my quads with yoga strap till I tried the elliptical machine for 5 minutes and after that my shins have been killing me. I’m having trouble walking with a normal gait, my leg feels stiff. Also I can slowly manage going up the stairs but forget going down! I was a very active person so I feel like I’ll never get my life back. Sorry for all the complaining! If you have any suggestions I’d really appreciate it. Thank you!

1/22/2022 01:00:12 pm

You didn't include your range of motion, so I can not give you specifics. But in general, slow, steady stretching with no days off- is the answer. That and patience. Once your motion is functional (0-115+), your body will heal, and your pain and happiness will improve for the rest of the year. If you are significantly behind schedule with motion, I do have other more specific recommendations for you, with videos and articles to peruse throughout this website.

Marie Lee link

1/27/2022 12:23:51 pm

Dear Sir, I can across your website when I was 5 weeks post op unicompartment left knee. My education from day 1 has been poor. And I only discovered how poor after reading your site. I am now 6 weeks post op. Since reading your comments I have been stretching for minutes not seconds for total 1 hour thru out the day . As well as prone knee hang for about 40 minutes total thru out the day. Flexion is 92 and extention 5. I have PT 2x week. Was never told about the importance of the 1st six weeks from PT or MD. And yes I was told to rest from day one. But what is that definition? I thought the sooner that I was up and about walking that I would recover quicker. Probably why I had so much pain during therapy and at home exercises. Before surgery I literally never sat all day so my idea of rest was maybe after being up and around the house for an hour was to ice and elevate for half an hour or so. Then back up. After all I have read on your site I feel like I am not going to get much more rom if any because I am at 6 weeks. Do you have any suggestions? I so much appreciate your time and all the help you have provided to others. I am sure the world is a better place because of you 🙂

2/26/2022 03:29:21 pm

I disagree with the concept of "rest from day one." Active rehabilitation is much more effective. Daily stretching, and gentle walking- That is really all it takes. Walking, alone, is inadequate to rehabilitate your knee. Dedicated stretching must be done, from day #1. If you have not regained an acceptable range of motion, it still might be possible for your surgeon to help by manipulating your knee under anesthesia, or beyond this performing arthroscopic lysis of adhesions followed by manipulation. I describe both these options in the "stiff knee replacement algorithm" article. However you proceed, stretch, stretch, stretch. That is the key to a good result following knee replacement surgery.

Shuddy Cherry link

2/23/2022 04:34:39 am

I had TKR November 8, 2021, 16 weeks ago. I have full knee extension, but flexion is only 90. I am very discouraged. I cannot walk on my own and my flexion has not improved in the past 7 weeks. My ortho doctor says he is not concerned about my slow progress because I have lymphedema in both legs and I have relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. I do not agree and I am very concerned about my progress.

My primary physician recently referred me to a Lymphedema Clinic. I have been evaluated for treatment and approved for Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). CDT combines compression, manual lymphatic drainage, meticulous skin care and exercise. I am scheduled for 3 therapy sessions weekly. I am not attending physical therapy for knee rehabilitation at this time. My therapist at the Lymphedema Clinic said we would evaluate the addition of knee rehabilitation therapy after several weeks of Lymphedema therapy.

What do you think about this treatment plan? Is it appropriate for me to do long duration stretching while undergoing Complete Decongestive Therapy?

Thank you so much for your help.

2/26/2022 02:48:53 pm

Lympedema is a major problem. Depending on how severe your case is, flexion beyond 90 may not be possible- since your calf may press against your thigh. At 16 weeks post-op, it is unlikely that stretching alone will improve your motion. If your lymphedema can be significantly improved, and if your tissues were impinging, as I described above, I suppose some progress could be possible, but I would not be very optimistic at this point. Long duration stretching is, in my opinion, the only chance of improvement at this point.

Helen Carter

6/21/2022 12:45:29 pm

I had tkr 14 wks ago only had physio for 5wk check u at 8 week but now don't know what do for best walk cycle rest stretch or put my leg up at 8wk check had 90%bend n 95 straight help please

6/29/2022 12:41:47 pm

I am not sure I totally understand your question. Stretching is the most important thing to do to obtain a good result after total knee replacement. It appears your range of motion is limited. I would focus on regaining range of motion as much as possible. As for activities, walking and cycling should both be fine to do.

Karen Mckinney link

6/29/2022 07:22:22 am

I am 7 weeks post op TKA with some swelling and stiffness. My flexion is around 125, extension 0. My question is it normal not to be anywhere near heel to butt. I have a relative whose surgeon did an MUA because he wanted her to be able to do heel to butt. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to do that. I have like 6 inches between heel and butt. Should I be worried?

6/29/2022 09:13:00 am

You have excellent range of motion for this stage following total knee replacement. If our goal after total knee replacement is heel to butt, we would basically have to manipulate nearly everybody. This is not a reasonable expectation, and I would suggest your relative's experience is an outlier. Your current range of motion should be adequate for nearly all desired activities. In my opinion, you have nothing to worry about.

Scott Breidenbach

9/7/2022 12:13:58 am

I am now a little over 7.5 months post TKR surgery. I achieved 135 plus degrees of flexion within the first 6 weeks. However, I still have a fair amount of pain which the doctor has identified as Illotibeal Band Friction Syndrome. I experience the following:
Pain as I stand up getting out of a car.
Extreme stiffness and pain after extended periods of non-movement (sitting at a desk, getting out of bed, etc).
I can usually go down stairs without trouble, but I definitely feel something in the knee being stretched.
Ibuprofen or NSAID's eliminate almost all of the pain/discomfort listed above.

I am still in physical therapy and receiving periodic massage, but progress is hard to discern from week to week. I am typically active with biking, walking and hiking, and am trying to moderate how much I do.

Is there anything else I should be considering, doing, etc.

Thank you in advance,

9/7/2022 12:32:04 pm

Iliotibial band friction syndrome is not an uncommon problem. Stretching is usually curative. This question has inspired me to record a video of how I recommend patients stretch the muscles that attach to the iliotibial band. (The iliotibial band itself really does not stretch). A quick youtube search should provide a variety of options to begin with. Soon, I will post a video of my own, where I will demonstrate my recommended way to stretch.

9/7/2022 12:56:29 pm

Thank you

10/24/2022 11:51:32 am

I have been doing PT exercises for stretching the IT band and strengthening supporting muscles (glute med) religiously for the last 8 weeks and I am still experiencing about the same amount of pain and stiffness. I have the most trouble going from a sitting to standing position, and moving the joint after a period of inactivity can be quite painful (in bed). I am now 9+ months post surgery, and growing increasingly concerned that this is not going to resolve on its own or just with PT.

11/6/2022 03:42:31 pm

If this problem is not resolving after adequate PT, it is crucial to prove the diagnosis is correct. In my practice I would offer you an MRI with MARS protocol. This will rule out stress reaction, and can confirm inflammation at the iliotibial band as it crosses the lateral femoral condyle. Once confirmed, a cortisone injection could help, and, rarely, release of the ITB could be done surgically.

Nancy

9/12/2022 01:28:14 pm

I'm almost 6 weeks out and at 5 measured 80 degrees flexion. I think my extension is good. How can I tell if there is scar tissue. My thigh (front) and shin are both very tight. I wish I had known about your site weeks ago. The dr told me basically nothing and the PT has me hold for 30 seconds. I'm going to ask the PT about your site tomorrow. I hope it's not too late for me to not have to have another procedure. Am I a lost cause at this point because I'm not at 90 degrees? They did tell me to massage the scar area. Does that do any good or is stretching the only thing that can get rid of it?

9/17/2022 08:25:31 am

If you were my patient, I would offer you a manipulation under anesthesia at this point- and definitely before post-operative week 8. Then, make sure you stretch all day, every day to maintain/regain range of motion. Unfortunately, 5-80 degrees at post-operative week 6+ is not likely to result in a good outcome. This is not yet a lost cause. Get some help from your surgeon, get caught up with your knee range of motion, and then stretch diligently, and for long durations afterward. Massage is not bad, but only stretching will help you at this point. And- I doubt stretching alone (without manipulation) will be effective now.

9/19/2022 05:24:39 pm

At 6 weeks and a day, the PT measured me at 120. They are assuring me that I will get more flexion than that. I have been holding the stretches longer than their 30 seconds, maybe 5 minutes, but I can't quite handle more than that even though I am trying. I feel a little less stiff and can walk a little better. I don't see my dr until the week after next which is almost 8 weeks after surgery. I'm scared of the MUA, so I'm stretching as much as I can. Why do the PTs tell us we will get more flexion in the coming weeks if it's not true?????

9/24/2022 05:09:19 pm

If you are at 120 degrees at this point, there is absolutely no reason to consider manipulation. You may gain a few more degrees over the next few months if you keep working at it, but 120 is a perfectly functional range of motion, and you should be very pleased with the outcome of your hard work!

10/16/2022 11:18:47 am

I am pretty happy with my flexion (about 125) at this point. However, I'm still having to take an NSAID for some swelling and stiffness in the quads and also in the shin. My doctor said this is normal and I need to take an NSAID as long as it feels this way. I'm still stretching, riding the stationary bike, walking just until it hurts, swimming (a little) and at PT I do the total gym and scoot around on the chair. Are there any other exercises I can do to help make this go away? I am at 10 1/2 weeks, but I've read that swelling and stiffness can last 3 to 6 months.
Thanks!

10/23/2022 08:47:14 pm

@Nancy- This seems like a reasonable plan. Looking back at your past messages, you've made excellent progress. I think some swelling/stiffness is within normal expectations and is likely to resolve gradually over the next several months.

Robert Sirmons

12/6/2023 06:41:07 pm

Dr. I had my left knee replacement on 27 Oct 23. Today is 6 Dec 23 and I can only flatten my knee down to 5 degrees from being straight. Do you have any suggestions that could help at this point? I'm still understanding PT. My PT tech fills I can't still accomplish the straightening. During my last follow-up my doctor said zi only had a two week window, and I'm now at the third week with 5 degrees from straightening.
Thanks for and suggestions.

Christopher Gorczynski link

3/17/2024 07:41:53 pm

The most powerful stretching technique to regain full extension is prone hang. https://www.yourorthomd.com/orthopedic-knowledge/the-best-total-knee-extension-stretch

Also consider the use of a static brace like J.A.S.

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.

Use a yoga strap to stretch your knee replacement

Leave a Reply.

Dr. Gorczynski

Categories

Don't Miss Updates from Dr. Gorczynski!

To arrange a private consultation with Dr. Gorczynski:

Email