Knee problem-PT??

[anniemae]

I just went to the orthopedic dr. today since my knee has been hurting and feeling tight etc. He ordered some physical therapy. Does this really work for knee problems? He said I may have a touch of arthritis. How do they test for that? He is going to first see if the pt works, I am just doubful for some reason.

 

[minkydog]

Many times they can see arthritic changes on the Xray. I have had PT a number of times, for a herniated disc, post-tibial tendon dysfunction(foot and ankle PT), thumb joint replacement(!), whiplash, and a badly sprained knee. In each and every case, PT has restored my to full function or nearly full function. It works if you work it. They will show you exercises and probably will see you twice a week. At the first visit they will probably take measurements to see how much flexibility you have and if there is swelling or a difference in strength. Then the fun begins. They will give you exercises to do at home and if you do them you ought to progress fairly steadily. Every few weeks they will repeat their measurements to see if you're improving.

I say go for it. You have nothing to lose by trying it.

 

[RUDisney]

I am going to PT again as the result of a car accident that flipped my van 4 years ago. I went in 2 weeks ago with pain at an '8' level out of 10 and by the next day, I was down to a '5'. Now, I'm at a 3-4. I told my therapist that he is the Annie Sullivan of PT. He is a true miracle worker.

I just wish I didn't wait so long to go back to PT.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

I've been a PT for 35 years. I sure hope it works.

 

[anniemae]

Thanks everyone, I will definately give it a try. I think I was just hoping to get a magic pill to make my knees better!!

Minkydog-you are definately the expert And you are right, he ordered twice a week for four weeks.

I hope it works, I just want to get back to normal functioning!

Carol-how long are the visits, and how long should you go? Is it the type of thing where they can give you exercises to do at home, or do you have to go long-term?

 

[Hillbeans]

Yes it works. I tore my ACL in 2003 after a skiing accident and wasn't able to get time off from work for surgery (long story). Anyway, I rehabbed my knee so well it was almost like I had surgery, I think PT was amazing for my knee problem.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Depends on the issue.
Worth a try anyway.

I did PT after knee surgery and it seemed the exercises were geared
towards strengthening any and all muscles you use when bending and flexing your lef and also working on the motion. Lots of time on the blessed bike.

Did they give you a diagnosis? That might help
folks who have had PT to give you an idea.

My quadriceps pretty much went to nothing post surgery---so to get my knee working--we focused a lot on that. (that doesn't happen to everyone. No idea why mine went to zero capability after a simple surgery.)

 

[disfan07]

I am actually in PT right now for my neck. I had brain surgery and the location of the mass meant that they had to separate my neck muscles during surgery. I've only gone twice so far and it hurts like crap afterwards so im hoping it ends up helping.

This is my 3rd time in PT in 5 years.
I was in PT for 2 months when I was 15 for an ankle injury
I was in PT for 6 months when I was 19 because of a car accident (3 months for my shoulder, 3 months for my knees)
and I'm in PT now (I'm 21) twice a week for 4 weeks for my neck

PT for my ankle was 30 minutes each session
PT for injuries from the car accident were 1 hour sessions each
PT for my neck are 30-45 minutes each session

 

[GeorgeG]

I had a total knee replacement in May and am still going to PT three times a week. I'm actually back to better than I was prior to this surgery, but we're working on on restoring range of motion I lost from a previous surgery over 31 years ago that was not followed by PT. I'm making good progress and getting more range of motion than I've had in years. What PT should do to help your situation is to loosen and then build up muscles to compensate for the arthritis. I had PT do just that about nine years ago as an alternative to surgery to repair a torn tendon in my shoulder. It doesn't necessarily fix the problem, but it does make it easier to live with. Good luck with yours.

 

[robinb]

I just finished PT for my right knee. I had probably about 6 sessions at 30 minutes each. I have osteoarthritis in my knee and the therapist suggested various exercises to both stretch and strengthen my knee. It did help somewhat, but the therapist also found something called a "Baker's Cyst" in the back of my knee which is limiting my mobility. No matter how much I stretch or strengthen I will not have the same mobility in my right knee as I have in my left because the cyst is blocking things. It also causes swelling which doesn't help matters either. I am now moving differently now, working WITH the knee and not "babying" it because it hurts. My pain has gone down quite a bit. I could have the cyst removed or aspirated but in most cases they just come right back. I figured if my knee starts to flare up again I will contact an orthopedic surgeon.

 

[fraggle551]

PT does not help the condition I have with my knee. According to my dr I need crazy crazy strong quads to help my knee, but it hurts so much to get there. Its like a catch-22. It helped my ankle after a surgery though. I guess it depends on the injury.