MUA after Total knee replacement

[Tynesider]

I had TKR on 6th May this year and had physio every week at the hospital,but my knee wouldn't bend more that 73% and I couldn't straighten my leg which made walking difficult and painful. My consultant gave me Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) on 22nd June and although painful I had to use a Continuous Passive Motion Machine,while I was in hospital, I used it most of the night at 100%. The pain was excruciating but I thought it would help,however once I stopped using the machine and started using it again the pain was excruciating at 67%.

I have managed to reach 73% again and finding it difficult to walk for more than 30 mins and climbing stairs one at a time. The pain wakes me up about 5am every morning and I'm so frustrated because I cannot ride my bike or even drive my car. I'm worried about work because I'm on the sick right now but if there is no more improvement I could lose my job.

I am going back to physio at the hospital in a couple of weeks but its the same exercises every time and with no improvement. Can anyone suggest what I can do next?

Thanks

[johnsmith]

Make an appointment to see a sports massage therapist. This should give you a second opinion. I suspect some of your muscles have got over contracted. It is a slow painful process to re-stretch over-contracted muscles. The sports massage therapist should be able to advise you on this. You have to allow yourself time to lengthen out muscle. Trying to rush the the stretching of the muscle will tear things.

The over contracted muscles in the leg will put things out because of spinal reflexes. It is worth seeing an Alexander Teacher who can help you walk with more efficiency.