IT Band Pain after knee replacement surgery

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About the author:
Hi, my name is Anthony (Tony) Maritato, PT. I am a licensed physical therapist and owner of Total Therapy Solutions. I have specialized in helping clients recover from total knee replacement surgery since 2002 and have created this video to help YOU.
Total Therapy Solutions
5900 Long Meadow Dr
Middletown, OH 45005
[phone]

[@Pablo-ye1wy]

I am 3.5 weeks post Op and I’ve been experiencing this exact pain ever since. The pain (which is more like a deep ache) would often wake me during the night and many times prevent sleep altogether! However, tonight I used a tennis ball and targeted the whole area even the buttock, ahhhhhh the relief!! I also did behind the knee as well as the calf. After completing I turned on KZbin and saw this video!! I’m currently laying in bed without an ache or a pain and I’m looking forward to a very good nights sleep. Hope this assists someone out there! 🙏🏾😀

[@rmhw4]

Thank you I'm the guy that posted the question I'm gonna try this too, anything to get rid of this pains as its really holding me back

[@Pablo-ye1wy]

@@rmhw4 I really hope once you try it you encounter the same results as I did/have. I’m about to go to bed and have just finished the massage for the 2nd night and my leg’s completely relaxed!! 😀👍🏾

[@miriamtrotman5665]

❤

[@pattiebrewer5192]

Thank you. You make me feel better about myself. I so far have 98 degree

[@VP-bx2jj]

You're the BEST KZbin PT person! I follow your videos mainly related to TKR. Thanks!

[@ninfabatchelor4943]

Thans you are very helpful and direct on your videos. Appreciated all you time helping us Recovering. God bless you 🙏

[@angelaray7272]

This video was a great help. Thanks 😊

[@kbbowman8654]

The I-T band is tight but so 4 weeks post surgery still tight everywhere like a belt around the top and bottom of my knee. Swelling has gone down but I’m still only at 50 to 55 Bend, which has my doctor extremely concerned… He gave me a grim future if I don’t get it bent but I swear… I am doing everything in my power, but it is so tight… It hurts so bad to bend itwill there be hope for me? He made it sound like I will be crippled for life! Really did a number on my head! I’m so glad I found your videos… They are helping, but I am still very sore following PT and the stiffness comes right back.

[@lindahughes5781]

I am right there with you. It is like a band across my kneecap not the side of my leg. I'm not sure what it is!!!! It will not let me bend!!!

[@kbbowman8654]

Since I made this post, four more weeks have passed and I’m at the same place except I have reached 80° bend so my doctor is proposing a manipulation under anesthesia, which I’m actually going to do this Wednesday! Not looking forward to that pain following that procedure… But hopefully it will establish a bend for me and get rid of that tight band that I still feel around my knee! How are you doing?

[@lindahughes5781]

@kbbowman8654 I'm at 4 weeks and see the doctor in week and a half. I know he is going to want to do the manipulation on me too. I read that you need to wait 3 months before you have it done. I'm so afraid the swelling will come back. Praying you have a great outcome. If there is a way, I would love to know how you make out!!!!!❤️🙏

[@kbbowman8654]

I think they can do a manipulation as early as three weeks out and usually at four weeks. They also propose to do it so I’m not sure of the criteria that makes them decide when to do it but there is a definite window of when it Hass to be done before they can’t do it, apparently… But I will keep you informed, best wishes I know it’s rough!

[@celestesulliman3140]

Thank you for all your videos. 18 days post op TKR and your videos are some of the most informative and helpful. Thanks from Nova Scotia, Canada

[@roseanneriolo3133]

I’m so happy for Robert. I’m so scared with this knee replacement

[@emanalsiniy5844]

Great information I used the pastry roller it was so helpful to relax my muscles

[@debralingle4980]

You are amazing And so helpful to me ! THANKYOU!

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Debra, thanks for the kind words.

[@eddyjimenez-scorpio]

Tony, you look so healthy, God bless.....

[@rmhw4]

Anthony, first of all a huge thank you for picking up my question, I am really humbled that you have taken the time to directly answer it and produce this video. To add a little more information the pain is on the outside of my knee on the side mostly just below the kneecap but latterly along the whole side length of the knee. It hurts when walking down stairs, so i can do a 20 inch step up but not when my knee goes over my toes. I have theragun massager and use it religiously along the IT band but noticed yesterday that top of my buttocks and a band around the top of my buttocks towards the front of my hips. I actually viewed your cross fibre massage video and have used the techniques to massage my scars to great effect, never thought of massaging the area where I have the pain, I was told not to use the gun where the implants are and that's exactly where the pain is. BTW I'm 59, live in Gibraltar, has 2 conformis implants,played competitive squash all my life, there was a correction in my anatomy I had bow legs below the knee (I didn't even know this would be corrected until I had the surgery) My goal is to get back on the squash court all be it not as seriously as before. Thank you once again its really appreciated.

[@donnaabella9683]

P9⁹p

[@donnaabella9683]

P9⁹p

[@drlorrie1019]

I agree with massages. I have been getting therapeutic muscle massages and helped so much

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks for sharing.

[@fredjonas5873]

Great video as usual. Im6 months post knee replacement on right side. I've developed peroneal tendonitis on opposite leg as a result of post knee replacement therapy. Can you touch on that some day? Thanks.

[@ChefFlee2018]

I had my TKR beginning of August.. 3 weeks into PT L knee ITband is rubbing on my bone they say😬 9 year's kneen pain and 9 surgeries and now a replacement and he might have to go back in to shave the bone 😢

[@lancegibson230]

I'm two weeks out today from my knee replacement and there is tightness in my IT band and inner thigh and it is directly on the tourniquet line. I have stretched, massage gun,rolling pin and manual massage and still can't seem to loosen the tissue. I need some help with that.

[@upsidedownshell]

Had TkR, on both knees pt for the right hurt my it band and also on that side I have hip replaced same year my hip and two knees. I didn’t have it band pain. Now hip pain it band.

[@MW-sn7if]

Hi Tony, I’ve been watching your videos for a few months now, I find them very informative. I had my left knee replaced 8 months ago here in the U.K. I’m still getting pain first thing when I wake up. This pain goes quickly when I start moving, is this normal and will this condition remain. The knee still looks and feels slightly swollen after 8 months. I was hoping by now it wouldn’t be. Again any advice as to how long this will take to go down.

[@Diana-007]

Oh my goodness Tucker is fabulous what a gorgeous bundle of fluff and fun, “dad pay attention to me” I’m your universe 😁! I have a basset hound 35kg of lap dog 😁 who has decided now he will sit and stare at me constantly when I’m doing my exercises, I’m just waiting on him to give me a treat! He is the love of our lives. Thank you again I’m only 2/52 post TKR so I’m interested in the massage discussion on the content at present because I’m sure it’s IT tension I’m feeling. 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@user-dg1zv9fz8b]

This is not a out dogs

[@Diana-007]

@@user-dg1zv9fz8b never 😂

[@Diana-007]

@@user-dg1zv9fz8b 😂 wow!

[@athers5386]

I'm 5 weeks out and for the first 3 weeks the IT band was incredibly painful. No meds or exercise touched it. 2 sessions of sports massage have reduced the pain by 80% - and allowed me to increase all my exercises. I feel as if I've skipped 4 weeks of recovery.

[@619to253]

Hello. I am a very heavy person. I had bilateral knee surgery to repair a reputured patellar. I am 14 weeks post-op. My question is when can I expect to wake up and not feel uncomfortable to walk. Once I am up and around, I am ok. Will I always have to sleep with a walker next to my bed? Rachelle in Seattle

[@yolo4yolo453]

So going off what you just described i have numbness there and how long will that last. I am 4 weeks post op I have my bend is 106 and my extension is 0. But I have that numbness and the back of my knee . So what gives ..ty

[@lauraridge-cosby5555]

I am 12 weeks post-op. My recovery is going well except for the pain you describe just below my outer knee. It seems to happens mainly when I walk on hard surfaces i.e black top or sidewalk, etc. Walking around the house & on dirt, or gravel I am good. I will try massaging it as suggested. Any other suggestions or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks for your videos they have really helped.

[@garioma1344]

No walking on hard surfaces. I'm 7 mos post op & use a stationary bike 30 minutes 5 days weekly. I've included 2 days strength training, modified yoga, & a weekly massage. I have noticed a 5-8 minute stretch after my workout has made a huge difference. Here's to your healing! 👍

[@cathyjbeck]

Tony, I’ve been following you for weeks now. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have spinal stenosis and got an L4 injection two weeks ago. It has not helped at all and the doctor said everything in my back looked good. The reason for the injection is that I’ve had a lot of lower back pain on the side of my knee replacement. TRKR. I have lots of numb areas, but lately my biggest issue has been pain from the tip of my back pelvic bone to where the hip and leg connect to just below the outside of my right knee. That spot is numb on the outside but painful on the inside. The whole back down the side of my leg to below my knee throbs! But sometimes it spreads low on my shin bone. I still have lots of knee pain every day. And I’m 3 months post op. PT for only 8 weeks. Can you tell me if this is normal in any way?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Hi Cathy, were you having those symptoms when you were working with your physical therapist? Did they offer any feedback? You could go back to your physical therapist for an evaluation and more detailed information.

[@sabihaalavi1553]

Tony can I use gun massager after 8 week my bilateral total knee replacement

[@RVwithTee]

Hi there thank you so much for this video. I also follow you in the Facebook group and I’ve been told I have this and at month four it has gotten severely better but it still snaps with every bend or straighten. Please tell me that’s eventually going to go away as you say thingsshift and get settled like the butt mold of your seat. Ha ha.

[@dennisochocki1675]

I am 10 weeks from TKR and completely relate to this pain. Thank you so much for the explanation. My range of motion is zero to 125 degrees so that isn't my issue. The only relief from this pain is when the Therapist uses a Theragun type massager which relieves the pain for a few hours. If I still have this pain at 12 weeks or the end of PT, I will buy a Theragun and use it myself.

[@whizbang7130]

I am 5 months post TKR and having lots of IT band tightness and spasms. Back in therapy and doing lots of cupping and new exercises. Very tired of pain, however. Don't allow knee to collapse in ever. Was in exercises classes but stopped those too. Will be glad when pain free.

[@vonieisenbeis5432]

i am 2mo post op...have been having horrible restless leg....brings on insomnia.....can't sleep and haven't slept well since surgery---what can i do?

[@TopMaid]

Hi 👋 I am 12 weeks post op total knee replacement . I’m doing great apart from pain on the outside of my knee . It feels crunchy and is hurting whenever I bend and lift my knee upwards. I had my patella resurfaced it was a high riding patella Alta issue and I also get a pain behind my knee when I bend it back . I wonder if you or anyone on here can suggest anything on what it can be . Thanks

[@lizzettelima2007]

6 weeks ago today I had a total left knee replacement I was doing awesome at physical therapy I was doing stairs the bicycle and today I was going forward and I heard a clunk on my knee and they sent me to the ortho fast to get checked and the doctor said I pulled the IT band I am an excruciating pain when I bend it I used to be able to bend my knee and now I can't what can be done Lizette Lima

[@sherrylynnsellers8076]

This has happened to me! I felt a pop in my knee and have been kind of ‘locked up’ since then. I am tender interior upper knee, but IT band is killing me! I’m day 3 trapped at home again and I was doing awesome!

[@roxanneholt-abernathy3698]

5 weeks post op and as I was watching this video... I was massaging my outside of my knee. 😆 Thanks Tony love all your videos. You've helped me recover quicker.

[@roxanneholt-abernathy3698]

Believe it out not, 5 weeks post op with my other knee and watching this exact same video a year and 5 months later. Looks like I had same issues with my first knee replacement as well my 2nd same time frame. My first replacement knee is doing great.

[@pegbutwin7189]

Back in 2020, I suffered a Maisonneuve fracture of my left ankle. In April of this year, I had my knee replaced. This recovery is horrible (my right tkr in 2018 was no problem). Could the fact that I had the Maisonneuve fracture be interfering with this recovery?

[@rhondaking2657]

Tony, you raised a question about massage for me. I have a DVT after TKR on June 30. Would massage help with the swelling and pain from that? If so, is there a certain type of massage I should ask for? My swelling isn't going down and I still have a good bit of calf pain.

[@westaussieeggs8867]

I would say, NO to massage as if you have a clot in one of the veins massaging could dislodge it and send it to your lungs which could be extremely dangerous. i would get some varicose vein cream (we can get it over the counter in AUS) and put it over the affected area.

[@susie2251]

Never massage a clot. The most important thing to do is avoid the clot breaking off and traveling.

[@jayantagorain2347]

I'm Jayanta gorain from India,two year ago I had car accident.my 2 legs are broken,and after opraration my left knee is locked, it can't be straight properly.so what is the next step for me. Kindly ans me what can I do too properly fit my left knee.

[@sandraruckel6266]

I am 6 months out from TKR. I don’t have an issue with the implant , my issue is with severe pain on the right side of my incision. Dr can’t figure it out, and are acting like it’s in my head. Having an MRI, blood work and EMG to try and figure out why I have so much pain. My concern is infection. Any ideas why this is happening?

[@beverleyswan7561]

Hi I'm 10 was into my full knee replacement and I can walk and prop bend my knee to about 100 degrees but I get this tightness and a feeling like something is pulling over my knee and tender on the side could you pls advice me what I can do thankyou

[@totaltherapysolutions]

That sounds about right. A pulling and tightness over the top of the knee is what I would describe as normal. Abnormal is pinching or pain in the back of the knee while flexing. 100 is great. Just keep working on it.

[@kaygerth6184]

When my PT massages the outside of my knee where it is tight and achy, I start to get really congested. This happens each time she works on that one spot- no where else. Why would that be happening? Hoping it’s something positive.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Wow, I honestly don't know. Very interesting.

[@kaygerth6184]

@@totaltherapysolutions thx for ur comment. Appreciate it

[@LMMLR4]

She owns a cat and you are allergic to the cat dander.

[@tonyherbert908]

I am 10 weeks post op, I am struggling sleeping at night, my leg is so painful at night, the back of my knee mis verY painful any ideas

[@barbigoschen8692]

I'm right there with you about the pain, Tony Herbert. Date: 11.02.22 and I'm 21 days post-op. I'm reading SO MANY comments that people are in serious pain from TKR. Would I go through it if I knew the pain levels, yes as my knee was not getting better by itself. I wish I better informed about lots of stuff. I told my surgeon last week, "You had the easy part! He told me, I told you there would be lots of work after."😁 I have breakdowns through tears of "why did I...." you know the rest. Let us all think back "before" the why we choose TKR. My right foot pointed out and my knee was inward. Even wearing jeans friends noticed my crocked leg and my hubby reminded me I could barely walk. I even stopped walking my puppies. That was mine. What was your story. One PT asked if I watched an operation or an animated version, on KZbin of course. I watched the animated😧one! No wonder we are in serious pain!😁 "Abba Father, I come to you at this moment to ask for healing and relief from our pain upon ALL who read this no matter the date. You transcend time! Jesus, Your Son, took upon Himself and suffered the worst pain, the pain from ALL sin. Please Father meet each person's needs as You know them from conception. I praise YOU and thank YOU now for the way YOU will help us. In JESUS precious name! AMEN & AMEN"

[@juniefloyd1278]

Exactly same and I am 5 months out. TKR. Surgeon says ,Too much aggressive Rehab keeping my knee inflamed and achy.

[@barbigoschen8692]

Hi Tony, Tucker is cuter than you!🐶😁Sorry! This video is a year old now. Is he therapy puppy yet? We had a Tucker one time. He earned his name as he would run around like all puppies do, seat down, and then fall over for a nap. Look it tuckered himself out; me too!☺ I went onto FB to join the group but have not heard back yet. What should I do next? Thank you words are not enough to you but Thanks!☺ Your videos have gotten me through some nights I could & can not sleep. Your information stops the "I wonder if this is normal." Have a BLESSED day with your family!