Best Tip To Improve [Knee Extension] After A Total Knee Replacement - Prone Hangs - PT at home 2020

Improving knee extension - how to straighten you knee - after a total knee replacement is always challenging. For most people, getting full extension is the first priority, even more than flexion. Swelling, pain, and other factors may contribute to limited range of motion in both extension and flexion. This simple strategy involves positioning yourself in prone (on your stomach) while the foot hangs off the side of your bed. There are several ways to achieve this position.
In this video I show you how to do it with and without compression, with and without a pillow under the thigh, and I discuss how long I would spend in this position.
Normal walking request full knee extension. If you have limited knee extension you may also be more likely to experience hip and low back pain because that leg will effectively be shorter than the non-surgical leg. In most cases your body will adapt, but there may be some frustration in the short term while you experience altered movement patterns and possibly pain.
Table of contents:
00:00 - How to improve knee extension after total knee replacement
00:10 - Prone Hang
00:47 - Warning about spinal stenosis
02:00 - Laying on your stomach with your feet off the side of your bed
03:20 - Using a pillow to support the shin
04:20 - Using a pillow to take pressure off the knee cap
05:30 - More aggressive knee extension
06:30 - Adding compression wrap
08:50 - Compression with pill
Amazon Links:
Mava Knee Wraps: amzn.to/2VxdgjK
Earthlite Round Bolster: amzn.to/2KvikP9
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Total Therapy Solutions LLC
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(513) 420-9999

Пікірлер: 75

  • @miketiara5343
    @miketiara53434 жыл бұрын

    I am 12 weeks post tkr. I am active and in good shape. I have 130 flex and 0 ext. I have two problems. After waking up from rest, my leg tightens up and takes significant effort to bend. Once i get it bent it loosens up. 2nd is swelling just above the knee. it hasent gotten worse or better since week 7.

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    4 жыл бұрын

    Your report is common. As long as it does loosen up then over time you should have less swelling and less stiffness over night. Sounds like you know the difference between muscle soreness and pain. Remember, the quad, hamstring, calf and everything else has been suffering for a long time. Then surgery really disrupted things. Give it time. 12 weeks is typically what I refer to as phase 1. 13-26 weeks is when the real strengthen can begin. The 52 weeks is when you forgot you ever had surgery. How is your function? Can you do what you want when it is ready?

  • @bt9124

    @bt9124

    3 жыл бұрын

    One thing i do every a.m. which really helps is to hop on the static exercise bike (with no power setting) and whizz round for one minute. Later on in the day, to help reduce swelling, hop back on and do 5 mins. Make sure you have no power setting. You are just going round. That is all.

  • @TammyEllis-py3mo
    @TammyEllis-py3moКүн бұрын

    I had a total tkr in may of 24. I am having problems with extending my knee. I have watched a lot of your clips. Thank you for taking the time to do them. I have learned so much from you. Thank you again, a work in progress

  • @juliusraymendoza130
    @juliusraymendoza1302 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the best instruction of keeping the knee straight and the motivation is simple but its amazing

  • @marydenise7217
    @marydenise72173 жыл бұрын

    I am two years since knee number 1 replacement and knee number 1 revision, Femur fracture 2020 June. Lets just say my therapy had complication. I have watch many of your videos. I had been walking with a cane for added support. I have done some of your exercises and have been progressing faster then before. My walking has improved 80 per cent no cane, no pain, and taking strides to the mailbox and around the yard and in the garage and in the market. One other thing that has helped me is ballet exercises to music. Thank you for taking the time explaining the exercises. It does help to understand what and why we are doing them.

  • @shelbylou02
    @shelbylou02Ай бұрын

    I'm going to try this tomorrow. I'm not a stomach sleeper but will try. Thanks for sharing.

  • @kerrifrancher2237
    @kerrifrancher22373 жыл бұрын

    So incredibly helpful... I’m thrilled that I found you!!! I’m 14 weeks PO from RTKR and really struggling with keeping any of the gains I make in PT. I’m so frustrated and still dealing with quite a bit of pain. Thank you again for your great work!

  • @mratzelster
    @mratzelster Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this idea. I've been doing the bridge between two chairs and this is good for me. I didn't realize that I should move into my strengthening exercises after I did this stretch, but it makes total sense. I'm going to try that this week. Of course I hate all of these, but I try to tell myself it really doesn't hurt, but it's just uncomfortable. I really appreciate your help.

  • @themamma341
    @themamma3412 жыл бұрын

    This is so helpful, and takes the fear out of it. Thank you!

  • @pilatesforptspodcastbusine287
    @pilatesforptspodcastbusine2874 жыл бұрын

    Always great content from this channel. Thank you.

  • @joeyallbritton8101
    @joeyallbritton81014 жыл бұрын

    super helpful Tony! thx

  • @mountaingirl3234
    @mountaingirl32343 жыл бұрын

    I really like this site. I am two weeks out today! Thank you for your awesome knowledge.

  • @trishaheyer4603
    @trishaheyer46033 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video. I have done the prone hang but your additional technics (cushioning the knee cap and the compression wrap) really made it much for effective.

  • @saeidborhani605
    @saeidborhani6053 жыл бұрын

    thank you for this video, it is so useful.

  • @dottieglaze8342
    @dottieglaze8342 Жыл бұрын

    Hi I love your videos and has been so helpful. Thanks

  • @nancyv6006
    @nancyv60067 ай бұрын

    Thank you for explaining how it benefits us. I’m 6 weeks post op at 123 flex and 4 extension. I’ve been 4 extension since week 1. Now I can do more for the extension with your info plus the wrap for the fluid. You complete the information I don’t get at PT.

  • @chanmanvideo
    @chanmanvideo Жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for these recommendation for TKE post surgery. I greatly appreciate your knowledge share 😊🎉

  • @gashi3557
    @gashi3557 Жыл бұрын

    What exercises can I do in order to keep that extra 5 degrees that I got?

  • @bonnadowns524
    @bonnadowns524 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks you so much for your video🙏 I have learned a lots from it after a 2 months TKR👌

  • @sallybarr3108
    @sallybarr31083 жыл бұрын

    I LOVE the information you presented. It was the best help for straightening my knee after full replacement. Even better than any of my PT trainers!

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Sally! I appreciate the feedback.

  • @bt9124
    @bt91243 жыл бұрын

    I pop my knee inside one if those long-haul flight foam neck rests. That way you can keep your leg straight and comfy with nothing touching the knee cap. I had a bakers cyst; maybe that's why i love compression during exercises.

  • @tammyrobinson6409
    @tammyrobinson6409 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your videos. You mentioned exercises that should be done after the new range has been obtained. What are some of those exercises? Thank you

  • @dr.leightonpeavlerdptocstp1261
    @dr.leightonpeavlerdptocstp12614 жыл бұрын

    The fundamentals get the best result.

  • @darlenericotta7550
    @darlenericotta75502 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this video I also have tightening in my knee I have gotten it to 125 to 130 degrees and I went last time to Physical therapy it went back to 120 degrees.

  • @jesslaxton86
    @jesslaxton863 жыл бұрын

    Your videos are so helpful. I had a lateral release and some arthritis removed. I am at 5 weeks non weight baring, 1 more week to go.. but I can’t quite get straight. I can’t get back to normal activities and I have been really discouraged.

  • @srpfilms4497
    @srpfilms44973 жыл бұрын

    This is great tip! One question, I have been using heating creams on my knee replacement before my home physio work and I find it really helps to ease stiffness. I haven’t checked, but is this okay to do?

  • @patcarmody7592
    @patcarmody75928 ай бұрын

    Hi Tony! I can't tell you how much you have prepared, helped and guided me through my TKR on August 28th. I have been in PT since the day after surgery. U fortunately, my extension is around 11 before he works on me and then 7-8 after PT. My Physical Therapist tells that at the end of this month, I can stop PT. He said that I will need a manipulation followed by intense therapy. 1st, do you feel I should discontinue PT this soon? And is there any possibility I can work through the scar tissue on my own? Thank you for your suggestions.😊

  • @pault477
    @pault4773 жыл бұрын

    I have the wrap and it took me forever to figure out how to end so Velcro is accessible . Finally put a few marks on it to indicate which side goes down a beginning of wrap. Have any suggestions?

  • @Lauranyyfan
    @Lauranyyfan3 жыл бұрын

    Hi... Love your videos....have helped me pre op and now, post op a lot!! I'm 4 days post op. I can raise my straight leg 45 degrees, bend my knee from a heel slide probably 45-50 degrees and practically straighten my leg already. The swelling is extensive and I find that the swelling is hindering how much I can bend it. How do I know how much to push that as that pressure and stress is felt along the staples and incision (which does cause a little bleeding) and also causes a LOT of pressure behind my knee. Also, there's a lot of what feels like like clucking when I walk (I don't hear it)...Will that go away? Thanks for any insight!!

  • @chrisgiacomozzi916
    @chrisgiacomozzi916 Жыл бұрын

    I am at 5 weeks post total right knee. Getting close to 0⁰ but find that I get a sick feeling in the arch of my right foot, great toe side, when doing the prone drop extension. Even though it feels like it is the right way to achieve 0⁰ that foot feeling usually makes me quit after 5 minutes. Sometimes flexing my ankle or doing circle with my foot helps extend the time.

  • @campeters2496
    @campeters24963 жыл бұрын

    Can I still use the Compression Wrap since i still have fluid in my knee since OCT.? And can I wear it while im working and standing on my feet all day ? Cause I'm hoping there will be less pain on my knee while I'm working.

  • @jomc20
    @jomc202 ай бұрын

    I'm at week 3 post FKR. I am frustrated at not being able to get my knee much past 90 deg, although i can straighten it pretty well. The pain last night was as bad as at day 3 - does this mean I've forced ny knee to bend too far or do we have to accept excrutiating pain in order to avoid a permanent limp and restricted v movement? My calf still hurts. Maybe i'm being too impatient judging by what others are saying.

  • @sjcrcc
    @sjcrcc3 жыл бұрын

    Really happy I found your instruction. I have had such conflict between surgeon and PT group. You seem to be a voice of reason I can cling to right now. Almost 7 weeks po. ROM varies depending on who measures. I can be 2 to 120, 4 to 115, and in between. I have some inflamed tendons and bursa on medial side, but surgeon downplays that and told me yesterday that I only had a few weeks to get to full extension and flexion or I would never get there. I stay confused about balance between doing too much and not enough, which you talk about. I really am trying, and you've given me new ideas, things I can do. All that to say thanks.

  • @pault477
    @pault4773 жыл бұрын

    Is the knee extension just as effective with the wrap?

  • @pfunkist
    @pfunkist Жыл бұрын

    Hi Toni this is Paul from NY had total knee replacement 12/7/21 & a revision 11/29/22 both times I had an infection, so it is June 2023 an knee has slot of scar tissue and is hard as a rock. But I walk better with an ace bandage. Your kneeling exercise has been great. Can you recommend a recommend something that will remove this bottle cap from my knee.😢

  • @enoughtimetug
    @enoughtimetug4 жыл бұрын

    Hey Tony-you have a Amazon link for the compression knee strap in the last video?? Thanks!

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    4 жыл бұрын

    Mava Knee Wraps: amzn.to/2VxdgjK

  • @SpokaneValleyPT
    @SpokaneValleyPT4 жыл бұрын

    Excellent tip, thanks for sharing! Why is knee extension so painful for some patients, while others don't seem to have any difficulty with it?

  • @bt9124

    @bt9124

    3 жыл бұрын

    Would so love to know why this is too? I am guessing that my knee was in SUCH a bad state before the op. I still don't geddit tho.

  • @bt9124

    @bt9124

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yeh, why?

  • @rosaling2023

    @rosaling2023

    2 жыл бұрын

    Bcuz of the build up of scar tissues I suppose.

  • @rosaling2023

    @rosaling2023

    2 жыл бұрын

    My 1st tkr have 0% extension the very next day bcuz my knee was not swollen. My 2nd knee tkr was a bit difficult to straighten bcuz the knee was very swollen. I think I was given less nerve pain so it was impossible to straighten my knee the next day after tkr.

  • @rosaling2023

    @rosaling2023

    2 жыл бұрын

    And I waited until my knee less swollen 4 weeks later to do the straightening exercise, by then I think scar tissues were already forming, which make it equally painful to straighten

  • @kayyoon9203
    @kayyoon92034 жыл бұрын

    I have the problem you describe of inability to sustain the flexion. You talk about exercises to accomplish this. Could you describe those exercises? Also, I am at week 12 after surgery, and have not achieved zero degree extension but working on flexion and extension in the same day, I feel like the two activities are working against each other. What strategy would you recommend? Do you think that focusing on one or the other on a particular day would work? Or do you think I’m imagining this?

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    4 жыл бұрын

    Let me see if I can put some info together on this. I usually try to encourage stretching into flexion then performing exercises specific for flexion like low seat sit to stands, hip bridges, and kneeling on couch or bed. Then maybe in a second workout you would stretch into extension and work on extension based exercises including planks (if possible) ball against the cabinet, ball behind the knee extensions.

  • @bt9124

    @bt9124

    3 жыл бұрын

    Most people's issues are with flexion. Here is one of the few places he is talking about extension. Check out 95% of his other videos. He is great.

  • @frankpaglianite4158
    @frankpaglianite41585 ай бұрын

    That is me now at over four months I work on this every day trying different methods but still mostly in the same spot I sure do hope it goes straight someday what is your feeling on this at best I could probably do 2 or 3° after workout

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this comment.

  • @tobyshainbaum-pollak8116
    @tobyshainbaum-pollak81164 жыл бұрын

    I appreciate your videos so much...particularly as in person physio isn't happening with Covid!! I am 12 weeks post tkr but I only have 95 flex but what really worries me is that I am not at 0 extension....am still at 15 and worried. Hope this will help!

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    4 жыл бұрын

    There are lots of reasons for these limitations and I always try to remind my clients that a tight knee is safer than a loose knee. But still the frustration is real. Lots of patients benefit from a mobilization under anesthesia. The first thing is to consult your surgeon, ask why you are experiencing these limitations, what the current and future options are, and then decide what your goals are. Be as specific as possible. Try to create activity based goals. For example, you may want to stand from your couch without depending on your hands. You may want to walk in the grass without an assistive device. Don't create goals like "I want to be pain free."

  • @bt9124

    @bt9124

    3 жыл бұрын

    I am doing my utmost to avoid a MUA op. My PT says they don't always work.

  • @pilatesaustintexas512
    @pilatesaustintexas5124 жыл бұрын

    Great content. Thank you for sharing. I have a client with limited knee flexion after total knee replacement at around 115. Do you have some tips that I can share with her?

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    4 жыл бұрын

    A bunch. Check out the channel and you will see the thumbnails.

  • @clairelong4679
    @clairelong46793 жыл бұрын

    I had a knee replacement about 2 years ago and still cant steaighten my knee i had alot of therapy and my doctor is clueless in what to do i do the exercise with laying on my stomach with a 6llb weight on me ankle and still it wont budge so thank you for you video and will try out these exercises

  • @lanamolczyk5139

    @lanamolczyk5139

    3 жыл бұрын

    Have you tried his traction exercise with the strap on the door knob‽ that worked wonders for me.

  • @mikelmart
    @mikelmart2 жыл бұрын

    I have great flex, 130° plus, extension is 7 before PT and 5 after. Been doing the leg hang on the bed for 20- 30 minutes twice a day at least. 11 weeks post op, I don't know what else to do, my therapist is blaming me for my lack of extension and not being able to handle a pain level of 8 when he works on me with 5 mil of Percocet to help me.

  • @bradrideout5536
    @bradrideout55362 жыл бұрын

    Does ace bandage work for compression?

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, but it doesn't have the level of compression that a wrap like this one has. I use a 6-inch wide ACE wrap for clients who do not tolerate more aggressive compression. Men usually do better with a thinker material.

  • @user-ub5in3wg2o
    @user-ub5in3wg2o8 ай бұрын

    I am 6 weeks post op tkr. My flexion is at 120 but my nee extension is at 3. My surgeon told me that I might have a permanent limp. I am sad about it.

  • @devyanisingh6507
    @devyanisingh65074 ай бұрын

    After meniscus exercises for age of 55. Especially for womens.plz

  • @joebellamy2299
    @joebellamy22992 жыл бұрын

    How much pain should a person experience in any of these exercises. .how does one know how much is too much ? How much time should be spent daily doing them ? My therapist drives me to tears--is this OK

  • @marilynnsmith360
    @marilynnsmith3602 жыл бұрын

    My first knee replacement, five years ago, went really well and I was out of pain in two months and back playing Pickleball. Had my right knee replaced in July of 2021, It is now 5 months out. Still causes pain, some swelling, can’t really walk even a few blocks. Wondering what is wrong but can’t get an appointment with the surgeon, think he is busy doing knee surgeries. I do have 130 degrees of bend, just want it to stop hurting, especially at night.

  • @crabarita8516

    @crabarita8516

    2 жыл бұрын

    OMG I'm going thru the pain at night. I'm 14 wks post op😢

  • @themamma341

    @themamma341

    2 жыл бұрын

    That throbbing pain at night can be excruciating. I have to get up and walk around. Sometimes never can go back to sleep 😬. Sure do look forward to a regular night's sleep one day.

  • @crabarita8516

    @crabarita8516

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@themamma341 same here. I tried melatonin didn't work and next Tylenol PM...didn't work. I'm now 20 weeks post op and the pain is easing up yet still here. It's so wild how after laying down it begins to hurt. I was told it takes a year to heal, I just 🙏 it goes away😢

  • @themamma341

    @themamma341

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@crabarita8516 No, Tylenol doesn't touch the pain for me either. I'll pray with you...you need some peaceful sleep and a little encouragement! I'm at only 5 weeks out.

  • @crabarita8516

    @crabarita8516

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@themamma341 yeah nothing helps. No let me retract that, if I prop my leg on a pillow (from the mid-calf to the bottom of my heel), that helps but my knee itself doesn't hurt.

  • @lynnlynn460
    @lynnlynn4602 жыл бұрын

    I am at 10 days and absolutely no way can I lie on my stomach pushing on the staples it’s agony

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    2 жыл бұрын

    How is your extension? Do you know the numbers?

  • @lynnlynn460

    @lynnlynn460

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@totaltherapysolutions I haven’t had physio yet. I am in Cyprus and I have to pay for it . So you’re videos are really a lifeline for me. I have just started to be able to raise my leg alone ( from day 12) if that is any indication . I’m now trying to follow it through with making myself lift it unaided when getting in and out of bed and lifting.

  • @prof.dr.rajaniyer140
    @prof.dr.rajaniyer1402 жыл бұрын

    PLEASE GUIDE FOR ACLR *THINNING OF THIGHS/LEGS *100% FLEXION& EXTENSION. * REMOVABLE ANKLE WEIGHTS * QUADS & ANKLE STRENGTHENING.

  • @totaltherapysolutions

    @totaltherapysolutions

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sorry, I am not sure what you are asking.

  • @coolhandluke2310
    @coolhandluke2310 Жыл бұрын

    Don’t do it if you can help it. Trust me you will never be the same.😢