I graduated... I think.....
I had my last supervised physical therapy today.... the PT said I was good to go on my own, and told me what to work on...
Drove directly to the gym, added weights to the machines as instructed, and am now sitting praying for the pain meds to kick in and holding an ice bag on my knee....
The bad news is that I really don't know if I did anything wrong... this might be just normal pain to be expected.... or I may have overdid it... what bothers me is I just plain don't know.... :(
What makes me uncomfortable too is how I was told what to do on my own... it was real vague, and kinda seemed like she was making it up as she went... for some reason I just think it should be more structured... like "Knee Replacement = Do items (a) through (f) for the first 2 weeks, add (g) the next week".... you know, something like that...
Anyone have any ideas about this?
Drove directly to the gym, added weights to the machines as instructed, and am now sitting praying for the pain meds to kick in and holding an ice bag on my knee....
The bad news is that I really don't know if I did anything wrong... this might be just normal pain to be expected.... or I may have overdid it... what bothers me is I just plain don't know.... :(
What makes me uncomfortable too is how I was told what to do on my own... it was real vague, and kinda seemed like she was making it up as she went... for some reason I just think it should be more structured... like "Knee Replacement = Do items (a) through (f) for the first 2 weeks, add (g) the next week".... you know, something like that...
Anyone have any ideas about this?
(deactivated member)
on 10/29/08 8:02 am - Park Forest, IL
on 10/29/08 8:02 am - Park Forest, IL
Hi Marc,
My husband has had both knees replaced ( about 1 year apart) and after the supervised PT, his therapist gave him sheets of paper showing exercises to do and number of reps etc, as they got easier he was able to add 5 more of each type ( so like increase from 10 to 15 and then after he reached a certain number each time he was to increase the number of reps every couple weeks as tolerated. If he had pain after adding any he was to cut back to the number from the previous week and in 2 weeks try adding again. His exercises were pretty specific.
If your therapist hasn't given you specific guidelines you should probably check with your surgeon. Earl's surgeon gave him a booklet of exercises too.
hope this helps and that the meds have kicked in by now.
Paulette
My husband has had both knees replaced ( about 1 year apart) and after the supervised PT, his therapist gave him sheets of paper showing exercises to do and number of reps etc, as they got easier he was able to add 5 more of each type ( so like increase from 10 to 15 and then after he reached a certain number each time he was to increase the number of reps every couple weeks as tolerated. If he had pain after adding any he was to cut back to the number from the previous week and in 2 weeks try adding again. His exercises were pretty specific.
If your therapist hasn't given you specific guidelines you should probably check with your surgeon. Earl's surgeon gave him a booklet of exercises too.
hope this helps and that the meds have kicked in by now.
Paulette
It's probably just normal pain, just ice it, keep it elevated and if it doesn't improve by tomorrow, call your doc.
Did you use too much weight? Or do too many reps? (See, I'm an old hand on this knee replacement PT.) If you have access to a pool, get in it and water walk ... it really helped me after my knee replacement, much more so than any of the PT exercises did. (But make sure your doc approves you to be in the pool first.)
Actually, my therapist did do the a through f (the home therapist) and then add g routine; with the add five reps and so much weight after two weeks, etc. So, like I said, if the pain doesn't subside after meds and ice and rest, call your doc and/or your therapist and let them know. Don't wait too long. But don't call the first thing, either.
Did you use too much weight? Or do too many reps? (See, I'm an old hand on this knee replacement PT.) If you have access to a pool, get in it and water walk ... it really helped me after my knee replacement, much more so than any of the PT exercises did. (But make sure your doc approves you to be in the pool first.)
Actually, my therapist did do the a through f (the home therapist) and then add g routine; with the add five reps and so much weight after two weeks, etc. So, like I said, if the pain doesn't subside after meds and ice and rest, call your doc and/or your therapist and let them know. Don't wait too long. But don't call the first thing, either.
My philosophy is if it hurts stop. I have had both knees replaced(at the same time) and I let my knees tell me what I could do. I guess I am a rebel. If you can do what you want without pain why pu**** If they released you from PT you have achieved what they wanted you to and you just need to maintain. No pain no gain is for the birds. I say that to you but this two week liquid diet is painful and kicking my butt. I have to believe it will be worth it. Just do what you can and don't give up.
Susie
hey marc
sorry you are hurting. i had both my knees replaced at the same time 4.5 years ago.
there were times for the first 6 - 8 months where i needed to ice and elevate my knee. it just takes times
as to the exercises, usually the best way is to add additional reps as you go along. its a process and though you may have days you hurt, it should get better. one day i woke up and realized my knees really felt great, but it did take awhile
be safe and well, jacki
sorry you are hurting. i had both my knees replaced at the same time 4.5 years ago.
there were times for the first 6 - 8 months where i needed to ice and elevate my knee. it just takes times
as to the exercises, usually the best way is to add additional reps as you go along. its a process and though you may have days you hurt, it should get better. one day i woke up and realized my knees really felt great, but it did take awhile
be safe and well, jacki
Marc, I hope everything works out. Surely, she should have given you some written instructions to go by. Lay off the weights for awhile until you've talked to your surgeon and/or PT.
Good luck to you and hoping that you will be doing better. I love reading your friendly banter. You sound like a fun guy!!
Sandy
Good luck to you and hoping that you will be doing better. I love reading your friendly banter. You sound like a fun guy!!
Sandy
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