I am a 63 yr old female who is 9 weeks post-op with left total knee replacement. I go to physical therapy 2-3 times per week. I started therapy at 86 degrees flexion and am currently at 103. It is still very difficult due to swelling and pain. I will be seeing my surgeon next week and he wants to make a decision about going forward with manipulation under anesthesia. I have heard & read some terrible things about this procedure! My surgeon feels best results are obtained with MUA being done around 12 weeks. My therapist said as long as I am still showing progress I should stick with the exercises. I feel somewhat pressured that my surgeon wants to make a decision next week, yet I don t want to miss the time window for best results. To be honest I am mostly nervous about post MUA pain! Any advice or input will be most appreciated! Thank you! Joanne
Hi, You say you have pain and swelling of the knee two months after surgery for TKR. Generally the knee should be quite pain free at this time and so also the swelling. Did you have this swelling prop? Hope you are taking adequate medications for this because one needs good pain control to be able to do exercises to increase the range of the joint. As you are improving I feel you should continue with physical therapy and be sure you are taking medications for pain and swelling. You also may use an elastic pressure bandage intermittently with ice applications.