Doc… instead of a leg lifter, I used my cane turned around. Worked like a charm.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Great idea!!

This video is so helpful. I am 4 mos post op and I used the ice machine a lot! But, I had my husband’s help. Initially I couldn’t do it on my own and it was very cold. I typically used an all cotton dish towel (flour sack) as a barrier and it allowed just the right amount of icing sensation to be effective. Now I have two ice packs I use interchangeably and it’s all I need. I did purchase the knee glider and used that early on and have continued to use it as a warm up to get the blood circulating. Early on, it helped me bend my knee in a controlled manner. I could easily see the improvement from week to week of my flexion using this. I also used a strap for about 3 weeks to help lift my leg. I had two nerve blocks so my leg was so heavy! Any fabric belt would work, leather was a bit slippery if I had on socks. And finally I wish I had that bike because now I’m using a stationary bike that’s in my basement, having something like this, would have been very helpful, especially before I was doing stairs. The bike seems to have helped me most in my flexion and extending my knee. Hope this helps someone out there. I love your channel and website, use it all of the time because my PT folks weren’t always volunteering guidance, I’d have to typically ask clarifying questions. With your channel, you bring the information to us selecting the most helpful hints and tips, thank you!

The ice machine the hospital gave me was awesome. One of the best tips we got was to get 6 water bottles, keep 3 in the freezer and put the others in the water. Awesome tip. I used my son’s bathrobe tie as a leg lifter after I got home. Worked well and it was free.

Great video. I'm 6 weeks Post op and using the ice machine. But I'm going to try the ice packs you suggested from Amazon. Still sleeping with ice machine to avoid the pain drugs. Works well for me. I didn't know about the ice packs so I really appreciate your video. Nice to transition to the ice packs off the machine. Keep up the good work. I know it's a lot of work for you, but many of us are learning so much from your videos.😀

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Let me know what you think of the ice packs. Others have told me they stay pretty cold.

Hi Dr Smith. I am 10 days post total knee revision (the knee from hell)....I am doing in 10 days what I could not do in 10 weeks when I had my initial knee replacement. I have been attached to your videos since I found your channel and am going to your FB group today. I have tried many of your suggestions and am so happy with results. My pain level is at about 2 compared to about 22 four years ago. I keep shaking my head thinking something must be wrong...LOL. Anyway all I can say is THANK YOU!!!!

@dr.samanthasmith

11 ай бұрын

This is amazing Nancy!! I am so glad you are doing better.

Thanks to your recommendation, I purchased the Desk Cycle, and I really like it. I can tell it is helping me with my range of motion.

@dr.samanthasmith

8 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@synaptik111

7 ай бұрын

What tensions were you using for how long, and how soon after your surgery did you start to use it @lindamccarley? I'm getting my knee done in a few weeks and I like the idea of the exercise bikes.

Thank you this was very helpful.

Having knee replacement in September and follow you on tik tok as well love the information you give us .thank you

Good tips on your site today. I am 14 weeks TKR post-op. The good gadget for me was the sock aid. You pull your sock onto the slider, place the unit in front of your foot and pull on the straps to slide the unit with the sock on it over your foot. It does not work well with compression socks though.

Thank you for the great information 🙏

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Just had full knee replacement surgery and use my cane to lift leg on/off bed and aids in exercises as well. Rubber grip keeps foot from slipping off of cane handle. Method was recommended by Physio folks at hospital. I have used it without extending for getting in and out of bed but definitely extend it to aid in exercises for quads and hamstrings.

Furniture glides are great to use for knee slide exercises!

@JudyGreenwald

5 ай бұрын

So are paper plates

The leg lifter is a godsend next to the reacher for those moments you can’t reach items you drop

Interesting video thanks...After my surgery I had therapist visit my home for one month...the one device used to do exercises was my walker...While I was in outpatient Therapy, the Stationary Bike, Ergometer, Parallel Bars, staps and workout ball was all provided ( 3 times a week)...My Therapy lasted 4 months...Afterwards I integrated to the gym...( I was a Powerlifter for some time)...The Machines I use from the gym: Leg Press, Leg Extension, Leg Curl, Calf machine...and the last 2 Machines I describe as being utilized primarily for women; to build the inner and outer thigh muscles...I am finally at my 10 1/2 month point and I have a normal walk and pain free = 85%... BTW: I rarely used ice packs because my skin and scar was too sensitive...Once the muscle was developed...it pushed all the fluid out and there is no more swelling.. Question: I have seen videos that encourage TKR patients to go to the gym around 9 months post surgery...They say if you are unfamiliar with the Machines above...hire a trainer...Your thoughts?

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Gym is great post surgery. You could definitely go sooner than 9 months especially if you have experience. I wouldn’t do any heavy lifting - power lifting isn’t recommended after this surgery. But the machines you listed are great for strengthening. You’ll definitely be ahead of the game if you do that!

Great video. I wish you had expanded to walkers. Both of my thumbs are fussed and using the walker without the arm extensions, hurts terribly. My doctor prescribed the extensions for my arms and I can walk very easily. I had my right knee done 13 days ago and at my follow up appointment, the doctor told me, I was doing great.

Hi thank you so much for the information you gave

@dr.samanthasmith

2 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

I bought a stationary bike in AldI for 39 dollars for my therapy. My surgery is programed for feb 8, 2023. Thanks for advice.

Very good advice

@dr.samanthasmith

6 ай бұрын

Glad you think so!

Thank you for the great advice and recommendations! My doctor strongly encourages use of the Knee Buddy to help keep your "toes above your nose". Its a wedge that starts essentially at your butt. Any opinions?

Strength and bending stretching is the bridges. Pushing down hamstrings towards the bed. This stretch can help with leg being straight. .?

Thanks for the informative videos. What are your views on compression syockings. Have major knee swelling. What do you recommend?

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Stocking are a great idea! My favorites are the Dr. Scholls brand.

I had a PKR on 8/3/23 and by week 3 I had 120 bend in the knee but also I was getting night sweats and the knee was hot to touch, I’m 61 and push weights 6 days a week so getting physical is nothing new, I’d just like to say, don’t over do your rehab and be sensible otherwise you could get what I have, I’m now on antibiotics and the knee is cooling down and no night sweats last night.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Good advice!

17 days post replacement. Had major swelling at top of leg immediately following surgery, artery at top of leg swollen and entire area inflamed and tender. My doctor said it was normal, and to give it time. I cannot bend the knee more than 70 degrees, I have scar tissue that feels really tight around knee and swelling behind knee. Should I be concerned I cannot bend to 90 degrees yet? Can I break up the scar tissue myself? I have PT recumbent bike with all the bells and whistles. My insurance only covered two PT appointments so I'm going to be most of the work solo. Your videos are really helpful, straight forward. Glad I found you!

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Hi Kathy. Swelling is very normal. Seems like you need to be elevating often. Usually when my patients are so swollen like that I have them elevate every hour for 20 minutes. Make sure your toes are above the heart. Also, you probably don’t have scar tissue quite yet. Maybe just tight muscles. Do you have a bike? I have a video about knee bending stretches too. Please check it out! Also please join the facebook group. Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share

Samantha, it has been 8 weeks since my knee replacement surgery. Only discomfort I have is stairs and chairs, which is getting better. I bowled (3) games. My knee ached alittle after, but not real bad. Did I overdo it too soon? Thank you, Jim.

I use the gel packs

I’m 2 weeks post op only been to PT once so far. You information on the exercise bike intrigued me because you mentioned the Desk Cycle and I realized I had bought one for home and work. My question to you is how soon should I be able to start using this? I still have some swelling be the surgeon thought the knee and flexibility looked good for 2 weeks. I’m 58 years old and developed arthritis early in my knee from multiple injuries from so Sports In high school and college. Thank you for any advice.

@dr.samanthasmith

8 ай бұрын

I have my patients use it by week 2. Just 5 minutes once a day for a couple days. Then slowly increase to 5-10 mins twice a day.

I had me 3 shoulder surgeries and the knee and hip replacement the best for me is the pregnancy pillow. Wow

@toryberch

8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the pillow tip 😊

How do you sleep on your side post surgery? Can you demonstrate?

I assume you also like the stationary bike? How about an "elliptical" trainer? It seems to provide more range of motion plus the stride motion.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Elliptical Would be good pre surgery. But post surgery the nine is better. You’ll get more flexion

Hi can I use a pilarites disc for gliding .Also when can you start using the portable bike after tkr

@dr.samanthasmith

9 ай бұрын

Yes great idea! And usually end of week 2 for bike.

Thanks Doc! Quick question, Is a regular excercise bike ok? I already have one of those.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it is! Anything that’s safe and will get your knee to bend is good.

@jomamma1750

Жыл бұрын

@@dr.samanthasmith Thank You. And thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Have an awesome New Year!

I just bought one of the wedge pillows from Amazon with a dip in the top to hold your leg, reason is my right foot/leg turns out to the right side, it’s not straight. Had tkr March 28, three weeks in. Do you not recommend this pillow as well, due to the knee not being straight?

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

I would use a couple pillows to help it stay straight.

I'm 3 days into my second TKR. First one was 6 weeks ago and it's going great. The question I have is, the new one feels like that leg is slightly longer then my other one. Is it my imagination, swelling perhaps or ? Thanks again!

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

This is really common after surgery. Not sure it’s it’s bc the knee isn’t completely straight yet or possibly from weakness. It’s very very unlikely the surgeon gave you a leg too short

Cannot seem to find your Facebook group. I only find it on TikTok. Need help as replacement it now scheduled for this coming Monday-Oct,16/2023.

@dr.samanthasmith

9 ай бұрын

Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share

I love the knee glider but I do think it is overpriced.

A hint my friend who had knee replacement surgey told me is, that when you use frozen water bottles in the ice machine, be sure to peel the labels off , because they will get wet in the machine and little pieces of the labels will clog the machine.

@dr.samanthasmith

4 ай бұрын

This is a great tip!!

having bilateral tkr 1/17 only way in my house is 12 steps any ideals to get in

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

After surgery, they should teach you how to do the steps before you go home. It’ll be challenging but just take your time. Use the hand rails.

Hi there Doctor from Sydney Australia. I had my TKR on 29th March ( 6 weeks now ). At 70 and with chronic back pain this TKR, I found was brutally painful. Spent 8 days in hospital and normal pain relief is Endone 3 hourly with Panadol. My op was on the Wednesday and by Thursday night I rocked with severe pain all night. I was finally given a fentanyl drip for 2.5 days which gave me ability to get some sleep and respite from the horrible pain. I am doing 1 hourly outpatient physiotherapy at the hospital once a week and doing exercises at home each day. I have found that by limiting my exercise time in tune with my pain levels works for me. The Ice packs I found too harsh so I don't use them. No swelling, scar healed nicely but still have intense pain. Low pain tolerance and have found using three pillows gives me the comfort when lying down. Other knee is now playing up so have made the decision to work with tt h a physiotherapist in my home each week to hopefully avoid another TKR. I don't think I could go through this operation again unless I literally could not walk. Has been a very traumatic experience that I will try to avoid going through again. My leg bend has gone from 80 in hospital, 90 after one week, 95 at 4 weeks and 110 last week so must be doing something right. Just came across your KZread channel. Was very helpful, thank you.

You didn't mention the CPM motion machine. This has been a game changer for me.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Wow great to here you liked it! The CPM is starting to fade away in the knee replacement world. Only about 1% of surgeons use it now.

@marshallgerston4809

Жыл бұрын

@Dr. Samantha Smith wow, that's really surprising. I think insurance quit paying for it so it's fading away. Having that knee elevated and moving while you're sleeping seems like such great thing. I'm on my second TKR and rented the machine both times. A nurse friend who had both knees almost insisted I get it. Ok, thanks so much for your content!

Hi doctor,last couple of days my knee has been painful and stiff,i have been doing exercises at home twice aday and then icing the knee and elevated,i have my 5th physio on the 8/2/23 but i personally think she won't be happy with how am doing,i got to 85bend last week but seem to go back to 70/75 why does that happen doctor,can you help in anyway please 🙏

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Hey Peter I did a video on this topic! It’s called “knee bending and stiffness”

Knee surgery pillow sucks! I got one today mistake! Wish I seen this before

What do you think about using a seated elliptical

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

They aren’t as good as bike because it doesn’t bend the knee as much.

@lindagurnish7540

Жыл бұрын

@@dr.samanthasmith would you suggest an under desk bike

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

@@lindagurnish7540 yes! I love this one www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1VDNQA?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzsama00b3-20&creativeASIN=B00B1VDNQA&asc_item-id=amzn1.ideas.8N0BDML5EF6G&ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ofs_mixed_d_asin

Cookie sheet for glider?

@dr.samanthasmith

9 ай бұрын

Great idea!!

Would u give me a link to yourFB group?

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share

Doctor, I took my mother to my doctor. She had the operation, and he told her that she has fibrosis in the muscle and knee, and what is the solution, Doctor?

@dr.samanthasmith

7 ай бұрын

I have a knee bending course coming up soon. Please join the waitlist. She will need this program. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course

@chadi6536

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, doctor, but when I enter, I am asked to register in exchange for payment. Why should these exercises not be free?

How do I get you on facebook

@dr.samanthasmith

21 күн бұрын

Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share

I just grabbed my pant leg to lift my leg.

@dr.samanthasmith

Жыл бұрын

Yup! That works too!

@davidhorn2248

16 күн бұрын

Me too. At night just pull on the knee immobilizer also.