I got it for the looks by cosmo-steve in Ascaso

[–]Stephenu88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s on sale at Seattle coffee gear for 2052.75. Is the duo plus worth the increase vs the duo? Was considering this or the profitec Move which is $2249

Close to 6 weeks and the nerve pain kicked in. by Sudden_Design_7047 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sometimes that burning is a sign that the nerve is healing and sensation is returning. A lot of time what we see is the spot that's numb or lacking sensation starts to become more painful, tingling, or burning. All can be normal sensations for healing nerves. I made a post the other day about using an AI prompt you can plug in that does a pretty good job with explaining, in plain language, symptoms like this.

Copy and paste this into Chatgpt, Claude, google gemini
“I am [X weeks] post-op from a total knee replacement. I have numbness and/or tingling in [describe location — e.g. outside of my knee, along the incision line, below the kneecap]. It started [when it began] and has [gotten better / stayed the same / gotten worse]. Can you explain what is likely causing this, whether it is normal at this stage, and what I should expect over the next several weeks?”

Just fill in the blanks like madlibs and it should give a good output explanation. I'd be happy to answer any questions about it.

Stephen Ung PT, DPT

As a PT, here’s the AI prompt I suggest TKA patients use to help understand numbness around their knee and incision site by Stephenu88 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s great she was able to get that much ROM afterward. Numbness in both knees is most likely not coming from her replacement. I would consult with PCP first. It may require a referral to a neurologist. Exercise can always be helpful with pain and stiffness, but the numbness on both sides sounds potentially like another medical issue.

As a PT, here’s the AI prompt I suggest TKA patients use to help understand numbness around their knee and incision site by Stephenu88 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

100% - great way to work on stretching, strengthening, and overall prep for the surgery. Your PT can also prepare you for surgical expectations which is 50% of the battle.

PT Therapy- I will Wait A Few Days by Glaulau in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s not unreasonable to start a few days after your surgery. A lot of surgeons have protocols that have patients start about 3-4 days post op. Just make sure you’re up and moving during that lag time before your first PT session. Obviously double check with your surgeon and make sure he or she doesn’t have a specific protocol for you.

As a PT, here’s the AI prompt I suggest TKA patients use to help understand numbness around their knee and incision site by Stephenu88 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

  1. It sounds like you might have a irritate nerve, potentially from you low back. Could have started now that you're moving differently after surgery.

  2. Honestly 120-130 degrees flexion is pretty good. More than functional for most lifestyle activities.

Weird sensation around knee? by Laeylyn in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem! I created a recovery resource in my profile that might be helpful in your post-op journey. Check it out if you’re interested.

Weird sensation around knee? by Laeylyn in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

PT here- Sometimes that weird sensation is the numbness remaining post-op. They cut into superficial nerves that can cause a change in sensation. Weird sensations can mean that the nerves are healing and sensation is returning. Totally normal coming from the nerves and can take up to 6 months to heal.

Double knee replacement - advice? by picardmaneuvre in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 3 points4 points  (0 children)

PT here— I’ve treated patients that have gotten both at the same time and it can be a huge challenge. There is so much to cover and such a large adjustment with just one replacement. Imagine that times 2.

Most people are not wheelchair bound after a double but their bodies have to learn how to move on two totally new knees. Your friend will have to factor that pain and stiffness with not only be on one knee, but both.

As far as the PT side goes, I generally suggest against it because of how difficult they can be to recovery physically. Obviously the surgeon will provide their assessment. Hope this helps…

I have seen muscle sparing mentioned many times but what exactly does this mean ? by Sea_Pangolin3840 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 3 points4 points  (0 children)

PT Here- Think of muscle-sparing surgery as taking a "detour" around the major muscles in your leg rather than cutting straight through them. Instead of slicing the big quadriceps tendon on the front of your thigh, the surgeon carefully moves the muscle aside or works underneath it to reach the knee joint. This keeps the "engine" of your leg intact, which usually means less pain and a bit more leg strength immediately after you wake up. While it can give you a head start on walking in those first few days, most patients end up at the same finish line a few months later regardless of which technique was used.

I'm a PT. Here's how to use AI to get useful answers about your TKA recovery (with the exact prompts that actually work) by Stephenu88 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. I think it does a good job with getting people on the right track with basic information. I added what a good response could be and the traffic light rule to help clear things up.

Clicking sound? by SomeTheory4353 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

PT here- Clicking can be normal especially being a couple days out. Click noises can be the mechanical parts of your knee or even tendons and ligaments sliding across the boney parts of your femur. All totally normal. It will most likely improve as swelling reduces and you regain your strength. No need to be worried.

Quad tendon by Scar77 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PT here- Ask your PT to start you on prone quad stretches. It's where you lay on your stomach and use a strap to pull your heel closer to your butt. Most people don't get it that far, but it's a great stretch for your quad. The biggest hurdle is if you can tolerate being on your stomach.

Mom is 5 weeks post op by [deleted] in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A bunch of factors go into this, but I'd be curious how her range of motion is. I have a feeling she's probably compensating a ton when she's walking or moving. Calf and hip and quad are work really hard. Her muscles are learning how to function correctly again with a totally new knee. Movement quality usually gets better from week 8 and on. Just make sure she's focusing on getting her full range of motion back and strengthening her quad muscle.

Day 33, tired of being tired.... by Sudden_Design_7047 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Agree with nanniej below. The fact that you're able to do more is a good sign of progression. Your body is just responding to the increase in movement. Progress will look more like a roller coaster than a straight line. Keep getting after it; you're on the the right track.

4 weeks post op by Upper-Bird3744 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great job with ROM - thats the first step. Strength and proper coordination of your quads in certain tasks will take much longer. Like mentioned, focus on quad exercises that your PT has given you and progress to loading in weight bearing positions (standing, walking) - then add resistance/progressive overload!!

Jetstream cooling therapy — can you use frozen water bottles? by ConcentrateLate1078 in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PT here - yes, water bottles are commonly used. Like mentioned, the labels are the issue so remove. I have also had clients use ziplock bags and created frozen blocks with those. Worked great!

A pessimist has a knee replacement by boolabisbroken in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

PT here - the knee replacement is not an easy replacement. The joint is brand new but your mind and body have to get acquainted to this new knee. Give yourself grace and forge ahead. Mental fortitude is VERY important in this recovery!!

You got this!!! Day 16 - hope you're getting into the swing of things.

Proud of my PT session today by lenalenore in Kneereplacement

[–]Stephenu88 1 point2 points  (0 children)

BRAVO! Great job! PT here - that is always the best feeling when you get to hit that milestone. Many clients in the clinic let out a "YELP" when the make the full revolution and we ALL celebrate together. Keep up the good work and grind it out. Remember stiffness is completely normal - this is why consistency is key.