How to Massage a Scar After Total Knee Replacement Surgery

[@QTWeims]

You are so right about massage. The surgery is brutal as said by my surgeon. I, by no fault of anyone, did not have PT except what I learned from your videos. By the time I saw anyone at almost 3 months, my surgeon was amazed at my progress. Better than a lot of his patients who were seeing PT from week one. I let my body lead me. I didn’t over work and rested a lot. When I was finished doing my own work out I massaged my knee last. Thanks for your great videos!

[@TaraH-c2m]

I’m day 8 post bilateral knee replacement. My right knee is doing decent but my left knee is rough. I found you by accident and so glad I did

[@valerielunn-powell2470]

Thank you so much for this great information, I'm a 55 year old woman and I just had my 1st knee replacement, secondary to a injury that I sustained in my working environment as a ER/TRAUMA RN. I an currently 5 weeks out from my procedure. I like the way you explained it, you broke the medical down to layman's understanding and not too many people can do that as well as you did. Your instructions were precise and well visualized...Keep up the great instructions...Val in Los Angeles California 🤗

[@MG2-_-]

You're so kind and helpful just listening to you is so comforting. I've just had knee surgery a week ago and i was having different pains and problems and wasn't able to ask my doctor but through videos on youtube I've been able to solve many problems. Thank you

[@rosemaryfields8340]

000⁰

[@catemoon]

You just explained why I have pain on the inside of the knee! I’m one month post-op, 120 ROM and O extension but painful exactly where you drew the line for the interior incision. Can’t wait to start doing these massages. Thank you!

[@carolgarza2023]

I really loved this video. My PT was doing just these massage movements on my knee today!! She told me to do them at home but as you know the saying “out of sight-out of mind” by the time I was done with all my other PT exercises and came home, I had forgotten how to massage my knee!! I am 4 weeks out of my knee replacement surgery. My flexation is already at 130. My leg is very straight too. I have worked very hard pre op and post op. I did vigorous water aerobics for 6 months before surgery and post op exercises at home with a PT and now out patient therapy But I will be undergoing my other knee replacement surgery once the doc gives me the go ahead RA SUCKS!!! Thanks for your help and encouragement Doc!! God bless you for helping so many, many people

[@loz1317]

Thank you for explaining scar tissue massage I'm six weeks post op and my knee feels stiff after I've done my physio , I've sat and massaged my knee while watching your video and already i feel better . Thank you for explaining everything so well.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thank you for the kind words

[@Dee0126]

6 weeks post bilateral total knee replacements. Very traumatic and painful. Thank you for the video

[@pammfh]

I've been working on my external incisions, but I didn't know where the internal ones were. This is brilliant, thank you so much.

[@jackieb8265]

THAT WAS TERRIFIC ....SO CLEAR TO UNDERSTAND AND SO INFORMATIVE.....IT SHOWS HOW MUCH YOU CARE.... YOU ARE .A REAL CREDIT TO YOUR PROFESSION.

[@suepartington8570]

Hi I had a TKR 2 & 1/2 years ago and it's still not ' perfect ' . It's stiff and sore in areas so after watching your fabulous video on Scar Tissue Mobilisation I'm going to start doing that ! It makes SO much sense but I'm always to scared to press too hard in case I damage the replacement. Love the videos and your kind advice thank you !

[@markoverland7748]

My TKR was 6 months ago. (My 2nd one). I found massage therapy with a well experienced therapist on my ligaments and scar was amazing. Broke down the scar tissue and got side knee pain down to very little. I am 70 and back to walking 2 + miles a day. I also used acupuncture with great success. Just saying! Good luck everyone. Keep working on your journey.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I am glad you found a solution.

[@carolebailey8451]

How long after surgery did you do this kind of therapy?

[@abrahamlugo9582]

Winner of a video, I've been looking for "how do you heal tennis elbow fast?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Ieyameron Unexpected Improvement - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? It is a good one off product for discovering how to end your mind-numbing knee pain minus the normal expense. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my m8 got amazing success with it.

[@stockq11]

Can u tell who is that physical therapist

[@kayp2617]

Acupuncture is amazing for releasing taught tendons etc.!

[@tanilove34]

This is a great video! Thank you so much. I had TKR on 1/18/21, and have been trying to figure out why the inside of my knee is so darn painful.

[@karenvanhoose5903]

Thank you that made me feel better about feeling so bad...give your baby a extra hug😊

[@tomlampros7122]

Tony, that was one of the most expressive and complete explanations of the surgery and recovery that I've seen. As part of my regimen, I do a heel slide (or hell slide), pulling my foot towards my butt with a strap. I'm feeling compression in my hamstring, and wondering if there's another stretch that might address the mild pain associated with that movement. Thanks, Tom

[@darlenericotta7550]

I have had several knee surgeries but wish I had seen this video before I did have them. Thanks for a great video.

[@maryarvoy2880]

Thank you!thank you!thank you! Your are amazing and a wonderful kind person to be sharing your knowledge with the world. I am so happy I decided to watch you.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks so much for the kind words and encouragement Mary. I am wishing you the best!

[@nancygoldstein2888]

I want to thank you so much for this wonderful information! It is so comforting to get as much knowledge about this surgery as possible. I really do appreciate this video. It answered so many questions I had. Thank you!!!

[@Jazzy.girl.Sarah2023]

Thank you! I just had my left knee replacement 3.5 weeks ago.

[@jo-annedunbar2351]

Thanks 4 weeks post op & not done this before but trying it now!

[@karenspelman7527]

I was watching your video the other night about knee manipulation… i was so conflicted about whether or not to have it done…. The doctor did tell me the possibility of having a broken leg as a result of the manipulation… my husband is currently recovering from his 3rd spinal fusion… so i am the driver.. and all the house chores… after seeing your video…. I made the decision to not have the manipulation…which put my mind and my husband’s mind at rest… so i will continue with physical therapy…. Thank you for your expertise in the physical therapy program…

[@lauramalcolm4677]

My total knee replacement surgery is Monday morning Dec..7, 2020 so this is so good to learn more about what’s going to happen

[@frost-grove]

wishing you luck! i just recently had an acl and double meniscus reconstruction and it really wasnt too bad

[@Reefmaster1961]

Hi Tony. Thanks! I’am a 60 y.o. female 5 foot, 110 pounds. Was the perfect patient for TKR. Active… the works. My knee became stiff over therapy, exercise. Needed a revision surgery 3 months after the first. My doctor was reluctant to MUA due to possible blood clots. Don’t know if he had limited experience on MUA,s. A bit after 4 months of my revision surgery I’m still on aggressive surgery and I can reach 90-95 degrees on ROM only with my therapists team and with lots of pain. The stiffness feeling on my knee never goes away. Feels a bit better after the martirdom of therapy and 15 minutes after is stiff as a log again. I went into a bad deppression, as I wanted to correct my arthritic pain before retiring from my job. Its over 7 months since my first surgery. I used the CPD (is that the right acronym?) machine in both surgeries. Did nothing. I do my homework and I try to use your “more often smaller workouts” when I do it myself. My therapists started doing it that way but after many months decided to increase my ROM with force. I just want to get better and will try anything! I do know that I will not achieve the normal movement of my anatomical knee. Just want a “functional” state a being. I get massages for scar tissue, knee bends, strenghr training. Gosh, the works. I have been able to regain some movement from my totally stiff knee after the first surgery. I can push to 75-80 (not in normal movement motion but forcing myself). Being very sincere…how do you see my recuperation? I want to keep fighting this, but toleraring the therapy pain 3-4 times a week for who knows how long is wrecking my mind! I have another appoinment with my orthopedist. I am in Puerto Rico. Desperate and thinking I should’ve never done this surgery.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Hi Reefmaster1961. First let me say Puerto Rico is one of my favorite places. I live a summer in Villalba as a child and it was one of my favorite summers. I have worked with several clients very similar to you. They did everything right and were in great shape but experienced frustration around every corner. All I can say is that you seem to be doing everything right. Everyone will tell you to give it time and I am no different. I have found that with time even the most challenging cases have found comfort and improvement.

[@vinovelo]

Why did you need a revision 3 months after TKR? (I hope it all works out)

[@JDVoyager]

Thank you for this video! I had asked about inside knee pain on the Facebook group and you pointed me to look for this video. I found that this answers so many questions about that inside knee pain, why its there and the methods for making it better. As always great work, Anthony.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thank you. Glad it helped.

[@darneyoung537]

Thank you so much for explaining about the scar tissue, especially in the side of my kneecap

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks for watching!

[@annak3380]

Thank you for this video. Especially about cutting ourselves some slack about the pain.. You made me feel so much better. 😊

[@joyceprout325]

Does Castrol oil help break up scar tissue?

[@pabuffa]

One of my PT's initially completed this treatment. You could hear one or two interior stitches letting go? I copied her method later at home and the s ap tissue does seem to be flatter than prior to the massage. Going on 5 weeks post surgery. Doing well. Thanks for you videos ....

[@darlenericotta7550]

Tony is there a certain title I need to look for to see an actual surgery on the knee! I have looked but only finding a video with only part of a surgery. I had a Revision with longer rods put in and would like to know more! Thanks Darlene. Never long winded, very interesting and learn a lot from you! Thanks!

[@widyasudoyo4866]

I had total replacement of both knees 10 months ago...thanks for your tutoring video...regards fr Indonesia

[@anardhalla5888]

Your videos are very helpfull It’s two and a half months I had my total knee replacement on my left knee This video answered my issues of scar tissue Thank you so much.

[@eyeseeyou7665]

Loved the kid in the background!

[@madhusaigal304]

Hi Toni your vedios are very helpful. Specially the one how to walk normally. I have limp after 6 week po op .so i am followimg the excercises shown by you. Thanks.

[@starrbeeler629]

Thank you for the video , very educational !! I just had surgery done March 31 st and this was very helpful !! God bless you !! 🙏

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Tony's explanations and examples are so helpful. What a coach! Thanks, Tony!

[@eddyjimenez-scorpio]

Mercy, i needed you in 2013 for my first hip replacement.

[@jeffw3776]

I’ve heard a warm bath as soon scar has completely healed helps before and then massage therapy

[@jkftr6]

Thanks just needed some confirmation on my road to recovery

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Wonderful!

[@HeRo-qd6tk]

Thank you for your videos. It is a great addition to my post op pt. You explain and demonstrate very well

[@prof.dr.rajaniyer140]

Please give demo with a live case who is really suffering....

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Will do!

[@davidcole5803]

Brilliant tony, all makes sense, can't wait to get these staples out next week. Ice pack is well worth while after a week TKR.

[@graceringrose8556]

I did my Knee replacement on 11/21 , and this is helpful to me I’m moving around but my knee is still stiff and hurt a little thank.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks for the comment.

[@choney8125]

Love your videos. Bless you.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thank you so much!

[@pdusername]

Thanks for your vids & help. Question having TKR shortly, when they cut the quad tendons & then reattach, is this a point of weakness and for how long? Probably also a source for pain also. Think this muscle is mainly used to achieve 0 degrees. Is there any danger of stitches-damage with early exercising? Thanks.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Different surgeons use different approaches. Many use a muscle / tendon sparing approach. You are totally correct, any time you cut tissue it will be repaired with tissue that is weaker than the original. But I can tell you most people still do really well.

[@aliceprince3096]

I need help I had a total knee replacement on July 6th and I was at 65 degrees and all of a sudden I gave so much stiffness and pain...please help

[@totaltherapysolutions]

I am sorry to hear that Alice. What is your surgeon suggesting? What is your therapist saying?

[@colinandrews7099]

So well explained!!! Comforting to know where and why all the little niggles ocour.

[@pamgibbons375]

Just found this video....another great one for sure...Thank you

[@oneydacardenas2716]

If able to clear the scar tissue will or should the knee be able to bend regularly. My mom had knee replacement and is having hard time to bend knee as she has developed scar tissue and how long is normal to get rid of scar tissue?

[@michelesullivan3733]

My scar looks terrible, I have red bumps at the bottom that have not gone away since week 2 I am at 9 weeks or so now, I am having my Dr. order a cobalt sensitivity test next month.

[@oma9944]

Hi. I’ve enjoyed your informative videos very much. I had a uni on Jan 8. My knee is numb only on the left side of the patella. Would that be where the internal incision was made?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

It could be that. It could also be a superficial nerve was severed or damaged. It is very common and should resolve in a couple months.

[@fabiolacaraveo1364]

Tony, you're awesome!

[@eeettt8701]

Great video, may I ask, should I use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) when doing this?

[@islanddeb66]

Would working on this scar tissue also help with the tightness felt at front of knee while going down stairs?

[@MsTracy79]

I was taught to massage outside the incision line, is the method you used more effective? I had simultaneous bilateral knee replacement on October 5 of this year.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

As long as the incision isn't open or seeping then cross fiber massage on the incision is a great option to discuss with your therapist.

[@iantruswell159]

Hi, Thanks for all your info i am 4 weeks post op. Left kneww replacement. The outside of my knee is numb. Patella is moving sidewards and scar tissue cross massage is good too. Abit off a pins and niddle in some areas but then dissappears. So i think i am on track the scar tissue has healed really well,virtually just a line. Thanks again i really like the message healing process you ahve shown. IAN.

[@zdzislawaszulc2607]

Thank you my knee surgery Mey 🙏

[@rzqable]

Thank you, you been a great help

[@619to253]

Thank you for the massage tips.

[@karenmike8707]

This is great information, thanks ! I’m 30 days post op and this massage is going to be helpful. My name is Karen.

[@floriamarshall4680]

I Thank you so much!!! I had a Great Recovery !!!💜💜💜💜

[@MPam1619]

Thank you for your videos; youtube at its best. So amazing, if nothing else i'm learning everything i ever wanted to know about the human knee. My R tkr is a couple months out, but i'm striving to arm myself with as much information as possible so as to optimize the chances of a great recovery. Also, i can't help thinking about what marvels of creation we are, something that's not always understood until something breaks down. If we are so beautifully designed, what can be said of our Creator?

[@anthonyereira2409]

Thanks Tony one question if you have a stiff knee is a warm/heat pack better than ice packs ?

[@dianeschwalm3855]

The numbness on the side of the scar. Should all feeling come back? I’m 8 weeks post op.

[@JenetLevyNYC_AZ]

Thank you. Great info as always!

[@MomMomPatsy]

Happy I found you!

[@AkindeleAsake]

Which is best rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery ot ho home and do thr physiotherapy at home?

[@js1js135]

This is a very valuable video! Thank You!!! :-)

[@pauletteshepherd869]

I’m approaching my 30 day replacement surgery anniversary in two days. My patella doesn’t move when I tried the motion in the video. What should I do? All other movements are fine. I appreciate your videos so much. I’ve gotten a lot of understanding regarding what I’m feeling and why. How long does the night pain last???

[@JeanRoberts-e7t]

When to start

[@GRIFF391]

You said that the incisions that we don’t see for a total knee replacement is done on the inside of the knee, have they ever made the incision on the outside of the knee?

[@rachellek6239]

Should we wait until after our two week follow up? I'm assuming yes but wanted to confirm. Thank you

[@patriciacrocker9481]

I have had a partial,total then about 1 yr ago because of loose components had another surgery. What can I do to ease the tightness in the back of my knee. I am doing PT now but still real tight.

[@rafaelsanchez8816]

Tony I love your videos, I had a told knee replacement 6 weeks ago I’m at 95 range my surgeon suggested MUA ,what is your opinion on MUA. Thank you ,Ralph

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Shoot! I can't believe it is taking me so long to get to these comments. I am not against MUA and it definitely has its benefits. What did you decide? What is your ROM now? I would love to hear an update.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Rafael Sanchez definitely tell your therapist about the muscle pain. Ideally the therapist will perform some massage throughout the upper thigh muscles. Have you tried the rolling pin to massage yourself?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

It is normal to lose range during the first 24-48 hours but hopefully you will slowly regain some of what you lost. If you are on the bike set the seat as high or far back as you can to warm up the gradually move the seat closer.

[@rafaelsanchez8816]

Total Therapy Solution - Physical Therapy Not with the pain, but I will now

[@totaltherapysolutions]

​@@rafaelsanchez8816 keep me up to date.

[@barbaradonald9497]

Thank you so much.

[@kamimehna1164]

Thank you Sir .much appreciated. But one question if I may ..what to do for old scar tissue 4 inches long just medial malleolus ( border of tibia)upwards and there is adhesion dug in is that possible to do this kind of crisscross gentle movement 😀🙏

[@sheilaeason1190]

I wish you were my therapist

[@mrs.joyceposey1082]

Had tkr 4-13-21 walking,driving ,shopping no cane or walker 56 yrs old going back to work 6-7-21 bending at 100 degrees no pain just a little numbness.

[@mariannamcginn6312]

I am 2 weeks post op TKR and I the bursa is swollen around the top of my knee. My quads and I would think my tendons are swollen. My knee is stiff. I am continuing to do all the post op exercises and more. When will the swelling go down?

[@franktrice1497]

So, how long after surgery are you supposed to wait before you start wiggling your skin around?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Great question. Typically you wait until the incision is fully closed. You wouldn't want to open any parts of the incision. Some therapists may do it sooner, but they are trained to do it and know what to watch out for.

[@karenshaffer2571]

I need this for acl/meniscus repair. My son is having trouble with full extension due to scar tissue. 6 months post op

[@totaltherapysolutions]

This doesn't work as well for ACL reconstruction. It is mostly for the incision of a TKR.

[@karenshaffer2571]

Thank you. Do you know of a video for acl/meniscus scar tissue?

[@leannechapman3621]

If the patella area is still really swollen is it okay to still massage it or try to glide it?

[@meenadeem]

Tony I would like to join the group, how I do it?

[@bowler8]

whos supposed to tell you this, I haven't had a new knee, but I had scar tissue affecting my mobilization after a femur fracture and had to have a MUA, now still finding it hard to bend, my Surgeon says I should be able to bend as he bent my knee 180 degrees while under anesthesia. Im finding it hard with pain inside my knee and physical therapy dont have a clue, My patellar doesnt protroud as it should, Im worried he'll feel Im not doing my exercises...can you help?

[@reneeblack2783]

Hi. I have been an OT for 32 years (from Ohio - Go Bucks!) so I am familiar with rehab. My TKR is in 2 weeks and am very nervous. I have several medical issues including RA, OA, severe sleep disorder and others things. I had knee scope surgery in Jan, torn meniscus, free floating objects, etc. and I did not heal well. I am now bone on bone and on walker in 7-8/10 constant pain. I’m worried about pain and recovery because I always have high inflammation. Thoughts?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Hi Renee, do you do anything nutritionally to manage your inflammation? I have found that most clients with RA and other autoimmune comorbidities do not seem to experience additional complications. They seem to respond really well. Keep us posted.

[@maryannstewart1147]

Could the second incision be on the outside of the knee?

[@lawabiding2576]

I'm 5 weeks from my TKR and am experiencing limited movement. I'm at 95 on a good day. I just tried your method and I swear I'm feeling better already. How many times a day should I massage ?

[@lindavernon5932]

I am 10 weeks from my TKR. Up to about a week ago, I was doing fine. I finished 12 sessions of PT. The follow up surgeon's x-ray showed everything was in place. Now, I am experiencing movement in the knee. Foot and leg are no longer swollen but knee is swollen. About a week ago I started feeling movement inside the knee. Do you think too much movement and too many squats in the pool pulled something apart? Holidays just passed and will appointment with surgeon as soon as possible. Any comments or thoughts.

[@michelebroad9493]

Hello! It's the outside of my knee that is still very numb and a bit sore (4.4 weeks post op) and I am a sometimes very stiff??

[@amimom]

Thanks. I just want to confirm if I have not developed scar tissue. As If I stand still for five 10 minutes to cook something, the knee gets stiff specially the back of the knee. It becomes very hard to sit down. Same goes if I am on the dinning chair, it goes stiff and difficult to stand. Likewise when I sleep. What do you recommend...!

[@milescabia]

How long does it normally take for scar tissue to breakdown?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Everyone is different. During a manipulation under anesthesia the scar tissue will break down in minutes. With massage it could take a couple weeks to mobilize the scar tissue. But it really depends on how think and old it is.

[@roseanneriolo3133]

I’m having such a hard time with my knee replacement. Super sensitive and painful

[@Christina-or4hx]

Thanks so much

[@ivela4]

What if your patella doesn’t have a whole lot of movement when doing probes?

[@annamariearnold2626]

Is this after your scar is completely healed. I still have seri strips on ? Don’t do it now right

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Yes, after the incision is fully closed and no strips left.

[@stephaniegregory7790]

I had a knee replacement 20 months ago. It's such agony I'm on crutches I cry every single day and my surgeon said it's normal please please advise why it feels like a tornaqua and my knees being strangled it's very swollen every day and feels worst everyday. I'm taking thee highest dose of morphine paracetamol, naproxen. Deluxatine, Amitriptyline. And I'm still in agony also there's a lot of pain above the knee

[@icecreamladydriver1606]

My scar is healing a little strangely as in the scar is smooth and doing well to the outside of the leg (left leg) but the half of the scar toward the inside of the leg is raised above the outside half of the scar. Is there something I can do about that because I am a little concerned that it could be a bit of a problem down the road? Thanks for the videos.

[@bluemermaid616]

Thank you ❤

[@delina9558]

I so wish I lived in your state!! Anyhow, thank you for making these vids, they're so helpful! After my surgery, when I would do SLOW bends and flexes, I could feel something come apart, like toffee under the skin. Done slowly it felt good! Was that scar tissue do you think?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

If you did it once and felt that the first time it could have been scar tissue. If you did it repeatedly and felt it each time it was the compression of the connective tissue under or around some other structure and you could feel it pulling through the compression. The second scenario is most likely. It isn't a bad thing. If someone actually "breaks" a scar tissue adhesion, it can only break or separate once. If you can repeat the sensation then it is something else you are feeling. Thanks for the comment.

[@jamesburke8903]

Hi, I had a total knee replacement in February 20 21 I ran into complications both with a DVT and an ileus from the medication’s and was in the hospital for eight days. Mostly immobile. After getting out of the hospital I started my physical therapy my flexion is perhaps 95% maybe 100 no more and my extension is fine. Whenever I try to work on the flexion it becomes painful on the outside lateral and posterior area.Is there any thing that I can do to increase my flexion or is it too far gone? Thank you in advance. Jim

[@sherripi007]

Osh I am so listening and going to learn

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Let me know how it goes!