Best & Worst Sleeping Position after Total Knee Replacement

[@restorepluspt]

Hope you enjoyed this weeks' video! What position do you prefer to sleep in? Comment down below! PS: If you had a Total Knee Replacement and want to speed up your recovery in the comforts of your own home, check out the Total Knee Replacement Blueprint here: bit.ly/3iV7DdP

[@beejee-r2c]

I had heart surgery.was a side & tummy sleeper. Find my best position now is on my back ! Having TKR soon , so I'm ready. I hope! Great vido!!

[@restorepluspt]

@@beejee-r2c Thank you! Happy to help! I wish you the best in your upcoming surgery!🙏

[@JeanFranks-c2v]

Had partial knee replacement 19/11/24. Did exercises before op and have slept on my back with leg straight as in video. Done exercises each day and have full range of motion. Still have pain/stiffness but that only to be expected after major surgery. now walking with one crutch indoors - am 82 years old. Do your exercises - they really help

[@restorepluspt]

Wow @JeanFranks-c2v! That is awesome to hear! Thank you for sharing this. I wish you the best!🙏

[@naomis.sharif]

Thank you. You are CORRECT. I APPRECIATE YOU.

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @naomis.sharif! Happy to help!🙏

[@AlbertaLC1]

I sleep on my side and I keep the knee replacement leg straight. If I even feel myself bending my knee. I immediately straighten it. It works for me. If it did tighten, it was very little. Then I straighten my leg and squeeze thigh, push knee down to bed. Not with had of course. I hold 5 seconds, repeat 5 times. Then I’m ready to stand, no more stiffness.

[@restorepluspt]

Thanks for sharing this @AlbertaLC1!♥

[@aureapatron5040]

Yes I do the I slp on my side but when I felt my knee bend I quickly stretched it 😊

[@restorepluspt]

@@aureapatron5040 this is good that you keep aware. This can help prevent future problems.

[@roberthoward3582]

Who sleeps for hours after the surgery ? I can’t.

[@restorepluspt]

I hear you @roberthoward3582. Most people can't sleep well right after surgery for various reasons. It gets better as the body heals.🙏

[@sue-annthandy5387]

@@restorepluspt I couldn’t sleep for 2 months yes two months I got sleeping tablets didn’t talk then awful dark time never again

[@restorepluspt]

@@sue-annthandy5387 I'm sorry to hear this. I have seen that in some of my patients. It usually range from 1-2 months. The 3rd month is significantly better. I hope you are way better now.🙏

[@ipebbles7816]

Rite, I can’t . I am 3 months post- op TKR. My surgery was 9/18/23 and I fell and sprained my Knee(surgical) on 11/11/23 so I’m going through a lot of pain in my knee and it’s very stressful and frustrating. I can’t sleep good at all I will fall asleep in pain n wake up in pain. When the weather changes I can tell even though I have an TKR very weird anyone experience this also?

[@sue-annthandy5387]

@@ipebbles7816 try a velcrow strap to put a ice pack in it keep changing all night get knee Xrayed checked please & a good Ostepath

[@aureapatron5040]

Thanks for ur kindness and advice ❤😊

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @aureapatron5040!♥

[@virginiaanderson9695]

These are good recommendations to get the best ROM from your knee replacement. However, I have found that there has to be compromise. Lying on your back with the knee totally straight is too uncomfortable to sleep. You have to be sleep to get the rest needed for recovery

[@restorepluspt]

I agree @virginiaanderson9695. I tell my patients that they have to get good sleep. This is where the medications can be helpful. Some people need them, some do not. If you cannot sleep with the knee straight like some of my patients, I suggest making that up during the day time when you are awake. Do exercises to straighten your knee as much as you can. This way you can sleep better without losing the range. I hope this helps.🙏

[@obscurelyvague]

@@restorepluspt The medication has been making me very very sick. I was told that of all the meds I was given the one I have to make sure I take regularly is the Aspirin to prevent blood clots. I have to tolerate the pain because the pain meds make me dizzy, extremely nauseated, and on the verge of passing out.

[@Columbus1152]

@@restorepluspt I agree with this method, during the day I have a much higher tolerance for pain. I'm only 5 days out of TKR surgery and I'm still really tight in extension, I try to keep it elevated and extended with a lot of ice.

[@restorepluspt]

@@obscurelyvague I'm sorry to hear that you have this reaction to the meds. I have patients experiencing the same thing. You will have to rely on icing to manage the pain. You can also try natural anti-inflammatories such as turmeric and arnica and see if those help.

[@restorepluspt]

@@Columbus1152 What you are feeling now is expected at this stage. Keep up with the exercises. I wish you the best.🙏

[@lavettepitts994]

Thank you so much

[@restorepluspt]

You're very welcome @lavettepitts994!

[@alkakochhar7817]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @alkakochhar7817! Happy to help.♥

[@geraldarcuri9307]

No one has physical therapy beds, so a lot of this is not practical. Sleeping is just plain difficult after TKR.

[@angelajames65]

Yes it is

[@BobIrvine-gd5fg]

I didn’t use pillows but ice water circulation 3 - 4 on first knee and about 2 weeks on 2nd knee. physical therapy was crucial and got me to 134 degrees within 6 pt sessions. At 82 I am truly blessed with excellent surgeon and top-notch physical therapist

[@MatshedishoMoleme]

I had my surgery on 2/04/2024 thanks for this video now i now the best position to sleep, I've been struggling along

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @user-do5xw5zy6c! Pleasure to help. I wish you the best in your recovery🙏

[@marystokes4436]

I am 8 weeks post op. Maybe 1 hour sleep at a time. Who sleeps 8 hours Postoperative?

[@restorepluspt]

I understand how you are feeling @marystokes4436. I see this in a lot of patients. In this situation, I suggest taking the meds that your surgeon prescribed. They may help a little. I wish you the best in your recovery🙏

[@pinco40]

7 weeks post op. I'm lucky if I get 4 hours sleep. 😢 My Fitbit watch shows during the 4 hours I wake up on average 15 times!!

[@restorepluspt]

@@pinco40 I'm sorry to hear this. It gets better with time. Usually around the 2-3 months range.

[@wtbrn4u]

Thank you.

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @wtbrn4u! Hope it helps.

[@hollycooper7177]

I have forced myself to sleep on my back. Between getting up every 6 hrs for medication and a few times for potty, I'm getting 8 hours total. If I get up to use the potty and feel really stiff, I'll walk around for a few minutes and get an ice pack.

[@hollycooper7177]

I'm in my 3rd week after surgery and have excellent extension and hopefully get my staples out tomorrow!

[@restorepluspt]

Great to hear that you have full extension and it seems like you are doing well @hollycooper7177. Keep up the good work! I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@GailHarris-p1f]

Potty breaks are my middle name 😂

[@restorepluspt]

@@GailHarris-p1f 😂

[@megananton4074]

@@GailHarris-p1fit has tripled since the surgery two weeks ago!

[@kylady124]

Thank you again. My knee replacement was on April 12th 2023. I still have been sleeping with my leg on pillows no one told me any different. I will be removing them immediately. 💖

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome. I hope you find a comfortable position to sleep in. Your body needs that to recover faster.

[@sue-annthandy5387]

May 15/ one month 25!days good luck future Good Health

[@janetmacdonald9209]

Sleeping on my back...can I raise up my head and shoulders with pillows?

[@janetmacdonald9209]

I can sleep well in a recliner. Is that okay as long as I keep my hips down to my feet on a firm pad, so that my legs are straight?

[@LindaThomas-s3j]

A few questions regarding sleeping positions. In the early days post TKR with the increased swelling aren't you supposed to try to keep your leg/knee elevated. Laying on your back with your leg straight doesn't elevate the knee at all. Would it be ok with an adjustable bed to raise the bottom keeping your leg straight? Also, what is the best way to get onto the bed the most comfortable way. With the TKR knee on the inside or on the outside of the bed? Thank you,

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @LindaThomas-s3j. Elevating your leg will help with swelling. I don't recommend sleeping with the leg elevated to my patients because being in that position for several hours while you're sleeping tend to cause back issues. As for the getting in/out of bed, there is no specific correct way to do that. Most of my patients prefer to get their surgery leg up on the bed first then follow with the non-surgical leg. I hope this helps.

[@shashiramdaursingh8866]

It s not easy at all to find sleep even if it is kept straight.

[@restorepluspt]

I know what you mean @shashiramdaursingh8866. In my experience, it is even more difficulty sleeping with the knee straight. Sometimes taking pain meds is acceptable in this situation. You need to rest to recover. I wish you the best.🙏

[@shashiramdaursingh8866]

@@restorepluspt Now I m fine, thanks. The pain has subsided.

[@restorepluspt]

@@shashiramdaursingh8866 Great to hear this!

[@bettycoffin4206]

My TKR was 3 weeks ago. Walking without walker/cane now. Slept in a lift chair all this time & my sleep apnea got WORSE. I just got into my bed 2 nights ago and flat on my back, pillow under my calves/feet & apnea not an issue now. But can only sleep 4 hrs at best.But PT has been the best to get knee moving.

[@restorepluspt]

Hi @bettycoffin4206. Good to hear that you are getting better. Sleep is affected at the beginning of the recovery phase. It gets better as time goes on. Usually in 2-3 months my patients get more comfortable sleeping. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@paulgrafas4143]

Who the heck lies down straight... Freaking Dracula sleeps like that

[@lindahughes5781]

Well it's 7 weeks to late for this information. All the things you said can go wrong have gone wrong for me. I even had a manipulation and my knee still won't straighten and PT bootcamp is no kidding matter. I asked my therapist how to sleep and they said whatever I tell you you are going to move while you are asleep so it doesn't matter. Now I'm crying thru every session with my knee being preesed down and bent. I don't know what to do. I'm so depressed.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @lindahughes5781. I understand what your PT is saying. Yes you will move when you sleep but my thought is when you start in a good position, at least you will spend a part of the time in that position. This is better than nothing. We have different opinions on matters. Have you tried taking pain meds an hour before PT? That can help with the pain. Using heat on the quads and hamstrings before stretching can help as well as doing soft tissue work on those muscles if the are in spasm. Just some possible options. I wish you the best.🙏

[@angelajames65]

I feel like I’m going to have to go through the same thing at physical therapy, and I am not looking forward to it 😡

[@linda-nq5xq]

Thank you I wish I knew this before but they Never told me

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @linda-nq5xq! I'm happy to help.♥

[@stephenlaffoon6680]

I have to sleep on my side can’t sleep on my back or on my belly

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you mean @stephenlaffoon6680. Try to keep you leg as straight as you can to prevent the flexion contracture.

[@Anisa11.]

Thank you for your content . I have neck , upper and lower back problems and I should be careful for my knees too. A lot of doctors here on KZbin suggest that you should put a pillow under your knees when you sleep on your back (soldier position). I have tried that and it helps a little bit but I still have pain when I wake up . I tried the side sleeping with the pillow under my knees and I could not sleep all night because my neck and my back hurt a lot . What do you suggest ? I will try today sleep on my back without the pillow and see but still I am confused about the correct way to sleep . Thank you again !

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @Anisa11. Sleeping on your back with pillow under the knees is good for back pain but not good if you have TKR. Aside from that position, the mattress has to be very firm too. If the mattress is soft, this position will not help as much. I have suggested to patients to sleep in this position on the floor (with some light padding like a carpet or area rag so it is not too hard) and that helps. Sleeping on your side, I don't recommend the pillow under the knees. I recommend sleeping with pillow between your knees so your spine is straight. The mattress has to be firm as well. Depending on how side your hips and shoulders are, sleeping on the floor in this position may not be ideal. I hope this helps.🙏

[@ellenmajor3350]

😅under 8h

[@miteypen52]

I slept on my back on the couch for the first week. (Our bedroom is upstairs and I wasn’t ready to tackle the stairs yet.) I was taking a low dose of oxycodone during that time which pretty much knocked me out. Fortunately, I was able to make it upstairs by the end of that week and I slept in my own bed, on my back at first, but then I switched from side to side and tried to move my legs as much as possible. I’m eleven days post op and my flexion is 90 degrees already. Of course, I had a partial knee replacement, but I’m 72 years old, so there’s that.

[@restorepluspt]

Good to hear this @miteypen52. I think you are off to a good start. Keep up the good work. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@slundgr]

What about using the wedge pillow? Sleeping is the big challenge after my knee replacement surgery. Sometimes I end up on my side by accident.

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @slundgr. It depends on how you position the wedge. If you use it under your legs to elevate your legs with the knee straight, this will be good. If you place the wedge under your knees in such a way that your hips and knees are bent, this will not be a good position after TKR. Hope this helps.🙏

[@jss27560]

I knew you were gonna say side Sleep was the worst because that’s how I sleep. Probably can sleep on my back but then I have an issue with sleep apnea and the CPAP. No one semi lucky thing is I tend to get up 2 to 3 times a night to go to the bathroom so I can straighten my leg and bend it and do my exercises.

[@restorepluspt]

That is a good strategy @jss27560. Keep repositioning your knee and keep up with the exercises. That will pay off in the long run.👍

[@sundarggurung13]

Nice one thanks

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @sundarggurung13!♥

[@sadielaurentiwhitley3762]

Thank you so much for this video mom Two days post op and I thought I should sleep with leg raised.

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @sadielaurentiwhitley3762!♥

[@SamanthaRoach-wl8lm]

Hi, I'm 47 and 26 days after TKR, I slept on my back and occasionally with a pillow under my knee at nighttime but not during the day when I slept, I was also able to do various exercises quite early on, my issue is that I am unable to bend my leg to 90° and that is hindering my walking, what ever I try I am physically unable to bend this leg further. I must say due to communication issues I have also not had any physio at all.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @SamanthaRoach-wl8lm. Having 90 deg of flexion is an issue not only with walking but also with sitting and stairs just to name a couple. I suggest checking out my other videos on how to improve your knee flexion and doing them as often as you can. Also using heat on your quads and massaging it can help make the stretching more effective. I hope this helps.🙏

[@dixiebrantnerdereus3416]

Thank you, I haven't been sleeping on my tummy but look forward to trying it!

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @dixiebrantnerdereus3416. I hope it helps.🙏

[@mariajerez410]

Very good recommendation!

[@restorepluspt]

Thank you Maria. Hope it helps.

[@ebunogundele8968]

Thank you for the information.No one ever told me this.Im 5 weeks today after TKR .I always sleep sideways and my knee to get straightened is an issue with lots of PT.Is there a way out of this please?

[@restorepluspt]

Hi @ebunogundele8968. The short answer is Yes. Along with adjusting your sleeping position, make sure you do a lot of stretching to get your knee straight. Do it many times in a day. It will help. You can ask your PT or check out my TKR videos for those stretches. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@billpennock8585]

Do you recommend the machines that go straight and bend automatically? Getting full extension was the hardest thing in my TKR. I am not sure I will be able to sleep flat on my back after another if I have to have one. I can sleep with my leg straight if I sit up against pillows in the bed but I suspect that will be a problem for swelling. When I went to PT the sleep on your tummy position was the most painful thing in trying to get the extension. Should I believe that right after surgery the leg will go straight for me like you have shown and it was likely my keeping my knee bent that caused it to bind up and be so difficult to straighten?

[@restorepluspt]

These are good questions @billpennock8585. I think you are referring to the CPM machine. That is very helpful in the first 2-3 weeks post-surgery. It helps move the knee while it is painful. After that, I recommend moving it more actively to engage the muscles too. After surgery, the prosthesis usually can go full extension and flexion. The surgeons test this out. But scar tissue and effects of lack of movement mostly due to pain, the joint stiffens up and loses range quickly. The key here is to move the joint through the range as much as you can as often as you can. I hope I answered your questions. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@billpennock8585]

@@restorepluspt very helpful It's been quite a while since my left tkr and memory fades. Luckily for now I was able to stop right knee pain using an elastic sleeve brace. I'm 72 and in hope that the knee will work till I don't anymore but we will see of course. thanks for the information, I'll work on that if I need to. I remember using the machine to push flexion but I don't remember being as cognizant of pushing it to increase or maintain extension. I did get withing a degree or two of max in both directions through PT though.

[@restorepluspt]

@@billpennock8585 I agree. Most of my patients forget the process when they have recovered already. Feel free to reach out if you have further questions.

[@Clarkson350]

How do you lay flat on your back for hours and days? Please give it a try and see! How would you sleep face down with your legs off the bed?

[@kathyclark3168]

I cannot do that. Never have been able to sleep that way; maybe as a baby but that's it

[@sarahriley2332]

What if I wear a brace that keeps my leg straight?

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @sarahriley2332. That can help keep your leg straight if you really need it although I recommend trying without using a brace. As soon as you gain full extension, I suggest discontinuing that. You want to make sure that you get good flexion as well. I hope this helps.🙏

[@dariannyrodriguez8838]

You can’t sleep on your side forever after surgery or just for the healing process?

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @dariannyrodriguez8838. I recommend this just for the healing process. This is because when we sleep on our side, we tend to bend our knees and this can cause extension lag. Hope this helps.

[@americantangsoodokarate]

Unless your child you're not sleeping on your belly everybody almost everybody sleeps on their side what is the best side position?

[@marymwangi7061]

If you have knee stif what do i do is one month now

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you are saying @marymwangi7061. One month is not a long time in TKR recovery. Stiffness is still expected at this point. I suggest keeping up with your stretching and exercises to help with the stiffness. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@LydiaJames-ub8kj]

I had surgery on my right femur and left tibia and fibula. Please what's the best sleeping position?

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @LydiaJames-ub8kj. It depends on what the surgery is on the femur and tibia/fibula. If it is ORIF, I will still recommend sleeping with the legs straight. Your surgeon will be able to guide you with this as well.🙏

[@deekmdrs]

I had my surgery 7/5/24. I was not told how to manage my sleep position and it's out me in a lag. I also have really sharp slicing pain of the skin that is painful, all day. The skin is stiff to the point of being hard. Is that normal? My friend said they never went through that

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry that you are going through this @deekmdrs. I would not say that is normal but I have seen that in my TKR patients. I suggest massaging the scar using your fingers starting with gentle strokes since it is still new and you can go harder as the incision closes better. You can check out my video on scars to see how to do the scar massage. Also check out my video on desensitizing your skin to help with the sharp pain. When the scab comes off completely and the incision is fully closed, you can use lotion or medicated topical creams to thin out the scar. There is a link in my description to a page where you can find equipment I use with my patients including the cream. I suggest consulting your surgeon before using the cream to be sure. I hope this helps.🙏

[@lebognkono5380]

Thank you Sir for advice, good thing is that I never use pillows to balance my knees, instead I used pillows to support my back,,,am I wrong

[@restorepluspt]

Hi @lebognkono5380. Using pillows under your knees when you have back pain helps a lot. I don't recommend it if you have knee replacement though.

[@MeasureCutSew850-ss3pz]

Thanks, I'm 48 hours out of TKR.

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @MeasureCutSew850-ss3pz. I wish you the best.🙏

[@nothannsmum]

I can only sleep on my side due to a very bad back. Can I side sleep with my tkr straight and other leg bent? Having my leg locked at straight for 14 months prior to my surgery this week.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @Cath75. If you can only sleep on your side because of your back, you can do what you mentioned. Monitor the knee. You want to make sure you are not getting any contractures flexion or extension. That is the important part. The position is not as important. Hope this helps.🙏

[@sheilarandall1329]

I sleep in a recliner leg straight no pillows ever . Had my surgery 7/15/24 . I can’t sleep more than 2 hours. I am a side sleeper so this is torture. My bed is to high so my physical therapist said not yet because I have to use a step stool to get in because I am short . I am exhausted and wake up full of anxiety because not enough sleep. I wake up stiff not matter

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you mean @sheilarandall1329. This stage of the recovery process can be tough. It is important to sleep better even if it is not perfect. If your pain cannot be controlled by icing and exercises, I suggest taking pain meds so you can sleep better and your body can heal better. I hope you feel better!🙏

[@janetshappard4461]

I had a total right knee replacement plus I have 2 fused ankles it was rough my surgery was March 18th I'm doing great just can't get in the floor and back up could be because of my fused ankles

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @janetshappard4461. Your fused ankles will make getting up from the floor trickier. But it is doable.

[@jaliyahhopson2014]

I’m 2 weeks post op ,and trying to sleep without waking up in pain

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you mean @jaliyahhopson2014. This part of the recovery process can be tough. If your pain cannot be controlled by icing and exercises, I do suggest taking pain meds at this point so you can sleep better thus heal better. I wish you a fast recovery.🙏

[@curiouskitty7972]

The hardest part of TKR for me is the sleep interruptions!

[@restorepluspt]

@@curiouskitty7972 I understand what you are saying. I see this a lot in patients. This is one of the few times that I tell patients to take their medication if they cannot sleep. The body needs to sleep to heal well.

[@jimbob33ism]

Sorry to say this seen loads of videos about sleeping after tkr and the worse one is sleeping on your stomach

[@kokilaramakrishnan1988]

What when both the knees are operated ?

[@restorepluspt]

Great question @kokilaramakrishnan1988. The same principle applies. My recommendation is the same for 1 or 2 TKR. IN both cases, you want to promote full extension and avoid flexion contracture.

[@cynthialambe4239]

Can you ever sleep again in the fetal position after TKR?

[@sue-annthandy5387]

@@cynthialambe4239 u can after 5 months or longer 🤢🤮🤞😱😂🤣⁉️

[@sheilarandall1329]

I sleep in a recliner leg straight no pillows ever . Had my surgery 7/15/24 . I can’t sleep more than 2 hours. I am a side sleeper so this is torture. My bed is to high so my physical therapist said not yet because I have to use a step stool to get in because I am short . I am exhausted and wake up full of anxiety because not enough sleep.

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you mean @sheilarandall1329. This stage of the recovery process can be tough. It is important to sleep better even if it is not perfect. If your pain cannot be controlled by icing and exercises, I suggest taking pain meds so you can sleep better and your body can heal better. I hope you feel better!🙏

[@kimpurvis410]

You have now made it impossible to sleep!

[@cherylcalvin1341]

Im into my 4th week of TKR P.T. never explained how to sleep.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @cherylcalvin1341. I hope this video helps.🙏

[@obscurelyvague]

Almost 2 weeks after my knee replacement. When I sleep on my side I cannot bend my surgery leg. There isn't much of a problem with me "Curling' both legs and in fact I wish I could bend the surgery leg.

[@restorepluspt]

I suggest checking out my other videos on how to bend your knee after a knee replacement. I hope it can help you. 🙏

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

It didn’t matter what position I slept in. I ended up with severe and total sepsis in both my knee and strangely my foot but my leg stayed skinny LOL but I am serious. It was very very bad and I was very very sick.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear that you went through that. I hope you are doing much better!🙏

[@gopalrao9603]

What two positions are not possible to sleep for long time. First of all no one can sleep more than a hour or two in a day After tkr surgery.

[@juliekelderman4041]

I wish I would have been told this after my tkr. I have always slept in fetal position. I'm 16 months out and still in pain.

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear that you are still in pain this far out. Check out my other videos on knee replacement and see if they can help you feel better.🙏

[@nancyo241]

I slept with my knees up on pillows so they were elevated, but they were the long way (I was told this by my PT) so my knees were either straight at an angle up on the pillows or they were bent at 90 degrees. I've got good extension and flexion, but at 9 months now, I still have a fair amount of swelling and have to ice after being on my feet for even just a 1/2 hour (going for a walk or doing my exercises). I've been told the swelling can last a year or even two years. Do you have any ideas for helping the swelling to stop?

[@restorepluspt]

Swelling after TKR can last up to a year or so Nancy. I suggest keeping up with the elevation and icing although I prefer to have the knee straight so the fluid in the knee can freely flow back to the system and not get stuck at the knee which happens when it is bent. 1 thing you can try is compression. If it is a lot of swelling, use compression stockings. If it is just a little and you don't want to use compression stockings, you can use regular stockings which has some compression but are more comfortable. Also doing centripetal massage on that leg can help mobilize the fluid more. Hope these help.

[@linadimech7866]

​.a@@restorepluspt

[@VirginiaHedges-d4h]

Will i never be able to sleep on my side?😢

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @user-ej8bo4nn6o. Yes, usually after 3 months or so, people have good range of motion already and sleeping on your side will not affect that anymore.

[@julieshane2677]

I thought we were supposed to have the leg elevated.

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @julieshane2677. Elevating your leg will help with swelling. I don't recommend sleeping with the leg elevated to my patients because being in that position for several hours while you're sleeping tend to cause back issues. I hope this helps.

[@phillipware9681]

I CAN'T sleep on either of these positions. I choke?

[@restorepluspt]

I'm sorry to hear this @phillipware9681. Sidelying will be better in your situation. Try to keep your knee as straight as you can so you don't develop flexion contracture. I hope this helps.🙏

[@kmsy200]

You kneed to elevate your knee , not straight . I couldn’t sleep without it . People side sleeper can’t sleep , in the begging after 4 or 5 weeks yes . Any ways after six weeks still can’t sleep during night so much of movement ,my knee get hard and painful

[@karenquinn8640]

Can you have a pillow under your head while sleeping on your back?

[@restorepluspt]

Good question @karenquinn8640. Yes you can have a pillow under your head.

[@kimberleypipkin8844]

I am trying to sleep now. Its 3 a.m.

[@restorepluspt]

I understand what you mean @kimberleypipkin8844. If the pain is too much, I suggest taking pain medications which may help. I wish you a speedy recovery.🙏

[@lydiawalker8387]

Who is this guy! You CANT straighten your leg following surgery! And look at how he gets on that table. You can’t move like that! And when he says you might be in a little bit of pain, he should be saying excruciating, blood curdling pain! I’ve done this twice, and what he is saying is directly against what my doctor says. I’ve seen enough!

[@shahmudinkarim4910]

i sleep only 4 hrs daily

[@christinemarshall5510]

Im 13 days post opp sleeping NEVER

[@restorepluspt]

I know what you mean @christinemarshall5510. It gets better with time. In my experience, patients start sleeping better around the 2 months period. Feel better soon.🙏

[@bamatractor]

Hell nah to the nah nah nah! On number 2! Go 4 or 5 days without sleep and do this video over!

[@linda-nq5xq]

Thank you. For what heard from you😂

[@restorepluspt]

You're welcome @linda-nq5xq!♥

[@angelabolton4478]

Semi-reclined sleeping worked for me. Lots of pillows. It was much better after I could take a hot bath before bed. I did use pillows under my knee, but I was diligent with my exercises and the amount of assistance I needed decreased steadily. I was at full extension by 5 months out, but 95% of that happened by three months post-op.

[@restorepluspt]

Thank you for sharing this @angelabolton4478. The height of the back rest is not as important compared to the position of the knee. As long as the knee is straight, you have a better chance of getting full extension. You may have used a pillow under your knee a little but I am sure you did your stretches a lot and that helped you get to full extension. Great job!👍

[@lebognkono5380]

Thank you Sir for advice, good thing is that I never use pillows to balance my knees, instead I used pillows to support my back,,,am I wrong

[@restorepluspt]

Hi @lebognkono5380. Using pillows under your knees when you have back pain helps a lot. I don't recommend it if you have knee replacement though.