I had a distinct advantage going through my second knee replacement that I didn’t have with my first. And it had everything to do with my physical therapist.
First, let me begin by saying that for my first knee replacement, I left physical therapy up to chance. I actually fared quite well because my physical therapist was very informative. What I didn’t know at the time was that physical therapists are trained at the same level as medical doctors. The main difference is that they don’t go through a medical residency, but their training is extensive.
When I had questions, I asked him. And he explained things in the level of detail I needed to understand. That turned out to be a Godsend.
So, for knee number two, I did it the exact same way. I went to the same physical therapy clinic because I already
knew it. However, my original physical therapist was no longer there, so I worked with whoever was available. It was still a very nice clinic, and the people were friendly.
When Physical Therapy Became a Problem
My particular physical therapist was rigid at best. It’s not that she wasn’t nice. She was talkative. But she didn’t listen to me. She heard me, but she didn’t listen.
Early on, she would move my kneecap manually. My incision was healed enough that she could access it underneath the bandage and move it gently. But it was incredibly painful. Not just during the session, but long after it was over.
On top of that, I wasn’t getting my extension back like I had with my first knee replacement. My range of motion came back fairly quickly, within about three weeks, and I attributed that to the rehab I did prior to surgery. But my extension took much longer this time.
Your Knee Replacement Medical Team Matters
When I went back for my six-week checkup with my orthopedic surgeon, he was concerned that I was still measuring around 3 to 5 degrees on extension instead of hitting zero. With my first knee, I had already reached zero by that point.
When I told him about physical therapy and how my sessions consistently aggravated my knee and caused pain that lasted well beyond the appointment, he said something that stuck with me. He told me that physical therapists are a dime a dozen, but they are a critical part of your medical team. It’s imperative to have a strong rapport with them so they understand your needs and can address them appropriately.
He suggested that I find another physical therapist.
I was glad to do that. I tracked down my physical therapist from my first knee replacement and learned that he wasn’t working in a clinic at the time. However, he recommended someone he trusted. I made an appointment and started seeing him.
Why Switching Physical Therapists Changed Everything
At my very first session, I explained my concerns. Within three weeks, I was hitting zero degrees of extension. Two weeks after that, I was hitting it consistently.
That one shift changed everything.
That’s when I realized that not everyone has this kind of guidance, and not everyone knows when it’s appropriate to switch physical therapists. There are a lot of variables that go into recovery, but one thing is clear. If you don’t feel like your physical therapist is listening to you, that’s a major red flag.
My doctor wanted me at 120 degrees of flexion and zero degrees of extension by six weeks. Barring unforeseen medical issues, this is generally the expectation.
Because I understand that many people don’t even know switching physical therapists is an option, I created an entire module inside the Knee Replacement Hub that walks through how to find a physical therapist and what to look for. I highly encourage you to explore it. You can find it clicking this link.
At the end of the day, there are three main players on your medical team: you, your doctor and their office, and your physical therapist. These three need to work together to support your knee as it comes back online. If that support feels off, it’s worth addressing.
If you have questions, use the comments below. I’m happy to help.
And if you know you want advanced support and step-by-step guidance through your knee replacement, consider booking a free 20-minute call with me. It’s a calm, supportive space to get clarity and confidence. You can use this link to book.
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