Clinical Conversations

I’d like to share the success story of one our patients.  Let’s call her Cindy Lou like the precious little Who from Whoville in Dr. Seuss’ storybook How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  Cindy Lou had a total knee replacement surgery 4.5 months ago. She came in to our clinic in August barely able to walk using a walker.  Today, she is not only walking well, she is dancing with her Jazzercise group!

Cindy Lou was very successful with physical therapy due to her diligence with her home exercise program.  She had to work through some very intense pain to recover her full flexion and extension range of motion.  Her perseverance with daily, diligent stretches has finally restored her full range of motion.

One challenge that Cindy Lou faced was managing swelling (edema) post-operative.  Let me mention here some things that made a positive difference for her: 1) Ice and elevation (20’ multiple times a day in the first 4-6 weeks after surgery), 2) TED compression hose, 3) Retrograde massage (gentle pressure sweeping upward from the base of the knee to the thigh to encourage lymphatic return) and 4) Staying moving!  Too much time in a sedentary position with her leg in the dependent position would increase her swelling, which then created more stiffness and pain.

Congratulations, Cindy Lou!  We are proud of your perseverance through your post-operative process and happy to have been on your team to guide your recovery.

Margo Burette DPT