Improve Range of Motion and Reduce Swelling After A Total Knee Replacement
After knee replacement surgery, one of the best ways to improve range of motion and reduce pain is to reduce swelling.
In this video I share a real patient story and how we used a frozen massage roller to reduce swelling while improving range of motion.
Tami’s Story?
tami
tami
“To my follow knee replacement friends: I’m 70 this month I’m 6 months out from a bilateral total knee replacement. This video is exactly what I’ve experienced. Diminishing pain over time in the proximal (upper) tibia. It’s just discomfort now and not consistent or continual.
Keep walking, moving and doing your prescribed mobility excercises. Unlike when I was 35, I am pretty much constantly aware of ‘feeling’ in my knees. I work to not let that interfere with intentionally walking normally, meaning length of stride, foot placement, heal-toe etc. The sensation of 6 inch band around my knees and proximal tibia isn’t as intense as it used to be but it is still there.
Tami’s-Story
It isn’t pain and I’m thanking my lucky stars that my surgeon closed the capsule of my knees firmly, insuring stability as I’ve healed and relearned to walk, bend, play and return to yoga. (nope I’m not a yoga star but I’m increasing my whole body flexibility and lengthening the muscles I’ve worked to strengthen).
I am not a rock star in this journey….it HURT! for longer than I wished but my cranky old arthritic knees were so painful before the surgery that I avoided walking up steps, parking more than a few feet away from store fronts, accepting invitations from family and friends that might require too much movement in my knees. I promise your journey will get better…..I promise.”
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This is because this position allows the knee to remain in full extension throughout the night.
If you are not experiencing difficulty achieving full knee extension you may prefer to sleep in other positions.
How To Use A Stationary Bike After A Total Knee Replacement
The upright stationary bike is a very common tool used in the rehabilitation of your total knee replacement. In many cases the upright stationary bike is preferred because it reduces the knee flexion requirements. In this video I show you some tips for using a stationary bike at home and turning a standard upright bike into a recumbent bike.
How to prepare for knee replacement surgery?
There is a lot you can do before your total knee replacement surgery to prepare. Step 1: Improve your cardiovascular fitness – your body will be dedicating much of its time and energy to repairing tissue. The better your heart and lungs are working the better your body can recovery. Step 2: Strengthen the rest of your body. While you are waiting on your knee surgery, you can strengthen the other 87% of your body. Step 3: Get your game face on. There will be plenty of mental and emotional challenges along the path to recovery. The better you prepare yourself to face these challenges the better you will be to overcome them.
Easiest Way To Increase Knee Bend At Home After A Total Knee Replacement Sitting – Real Patient
There are an infinite number of ways to bend your knee and all too often I see clients who have been told heel slides need to be completed while laying on your back. That simply isn’t the case. In this video I show you how to perform heel slides seated in a chair and using a strap to assist.
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