Margaret E. was seen in our Webster office and worked primarily with Tim Wilbert, MSPT.  She underwent a total knee replacement and 3 months later was sent back to the operating room to undergo a manipulation.  The manipulation was necessary due to a large amount of scar tissue that had formed in her knee post surgery.  Margaret's surgeon had set a goal of her reaching 130 degrees of knee flexion.  In general, people who have no issues with their knees have an average of 135 degrees of flexion.  Margaret states she had to learn early on to set smaller goals during her therapy sessions to avoid frustration and keep from feeling overwhelmed by having such a large goal to meet.  She learned to be happy when Tim stretched her just a few degrees farther and not to be disappointed when the measurement wasn't exactly what she expected.  Recovery from major surgery has its up days and down days.  Margaret reports that Tim was especially helpful in educating her on what was ok to do outside of therapy to help her knee recover.  He was also helpful at teaching her that patience and perserverence in addition to hard work would be what got her results.  Margaret also enjoyed learning about the anatomy of the knee.  Tim was able to teach her the importance of how the "brain talks to the knee" after surgery to help relearn skills such as balance and walking.  It is important for other patients considering undergoing total knee replacement to know that this recovery takes work.  Margaret was often at her physical therapy sessions for 2 hours at a time 2-3 days per week.  In the beginning she had to rely on family and friends to help her with even the simplest tasks around the house.  This was motivation to get up and moving!  Margaret states she still has stiffness and needs to do daily stretching to maintain the gains she has made so far.  Margaret liked working at GVPT because of the open environment.  She enjoyed socializing with the other patients and the encouragement received from others who are undergoing similar rehabilitation.


Stay tuned for comments and advice from Tim Wilbert, MSPT regarding recovery from total knee replacement.