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BS: leg rehab after broken patella?
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BS: leg rehab after broken patella? |
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Subject: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Janie Date: 17 Mar 12 - 06:35 PM Some of you know I broke my left patella Feb. 2. It was a simple horizontal fracture right across the middle with minimal misalignment and required no surgery. The knee immobilizer comes off on Tuesday. I cheated a little bit today. Removed the immobilizer then tried some gentle bends. Couldn't bend very far - mostly because the thigh muscle is going to require some stretching, and had some pain afterward in the knee cap also. It is dawning on me that it is not going to be a case of leaping tall buildings as soon as the immobilizer comes off. I'm wondering how soon before I am back to pre-break mobility and flexibility. Anyfolks with experience to share? |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Rapparee Date: 18 Mar 12 - 11:49 AM Well, I didn't break the patella but I did have knee surgery back in October and I have a suggestion that will really help. Go to physical therapy. They know what to do and even if you are a DPT treating yourself is a really, really bad idea. As the lawyers say, "Anyone who represents himself has a fool for a client" and the same holds true here. Besides, why should you have all the fun? The PT people (who have names like "Doctor Lash" and "Mistress Helga" need to get their kicks too. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Janie Date: 18 Mar 12 - 12:24 PM Well, that's one thing that concerns me Rap. I asked about PT at my last visit and was told by the orthopedic PA that I will not need physical therapy, which doesn't make sense to me, especially after yesterday's experience. This is a worker comp insurance case, and I am wondering if that factors into his decision-making. I can certainly do any ordered exercises at home, but really don't want to do myself more harm than good for lack of direction or parameters. I already have knee problems and don't want to do injury to the joint itself as the result of improper self-rehab efforts. There is visable atrophy in that left thigh muscle after 7 weeks of no bending. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: gnu Date: 18 Mar 12 - 01:32 PM "The knee immobilizer comes off on Tuesday." But you "cheated"? NO, No, No, NOOO! You let the doc take it off and EXAMINE you. Don't do that again. Ask again about physio or what exercises you need to do. I could certainly offer advice regarding the thigh muscle. I'll just say that atrophy of the vastus medialus can cause severe problems with the patella as the vastus lateralus pulls the patella sideways. Squash anyone? |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Crowhugger Date: 18 Mar 12 - 01:40 PM I had a surgeon tell me I would not need physical therapy after back surgery. He lied or was stupid. He had a brilliant reputation and now practises in the USA. Go figure. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: maeve Date: 18 Mar 12 - 01:48 PM Janie, they may not want to give you PT, but you do need it. Insist on it. Talk with your doctor and stress how much function you've lost. Ask him to recommend the maximum PT possible. It will make all the difference in the world. After all this time of healing and PT for my broken arm (three years), I still have not regained full use and strength. You're going to need a program that will accurately access your strength and function before, during, and after appropriate therapy, while addressing weaknesses. One thing I do recommend for localized pain and swelling is Arnica in gel form; used by my PT therapist and recommended by him for my use at home. It is very helpful massaged in before and after PT and several times a day when working on muscle building and stretching affected areas. It works to improve circulation and reduce swelling and bruising. I can send you some. Let me know. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Rapparee Date: 18 Mar 12 - 06:56 PM Electrical stimulation is also a fine adjunct to physical therapy. Be a bitch about this. Workers comp will pay for PT; that shouldn't be an issue. And if a PA says "No" tell them that you want the surgeon to put it in writing that you don't need physical therapy. Believe me, that'll put the cork in the bottle! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: ChanteyLass Date: 18 Mar 12 - 10:29 PM Ouch, Janie! I can't imagine your having to do without PT. I agree with others. Insist on it. Also whine about it. Cry. Yell. Make a scene. Try different approaches until one works. Your doctor will write a PT order just to get you out of his office! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: gnu Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:03 PM Or simple ask why there is no need for PT when you obviously see muscle atrophy which may have an impact on healing properly. If you upset them, you burn a bridge. ASK them questions. Don't TELL them what they are going to do. Flies and honey, eh? |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: ChanteyLass Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:28 PM From her second post, it appears that Janie has already asked about PT. Sometimes flies to honey works. Other times the squeaky wheel gets the grease. My comment was based on an experience my mom had while hospitalized in the early seventies. She was supposed to get pain meds on demand. She asked and was told a nurse would be right in. Nobody came. She asked again. Nobody came. By now an hour had past and mom was clearly in agony. I went to the nurses station and asked and was told, "Oh, the RN will do it when she has finished writing her reports." Obviously asking wasn't working. I said, "I will stand right here and make a scene until my mother gets the pain meds the doctor said she could have on demand. Or you can call security to have me removed, which will also make a scene." Guess what? The person at the nurses station got the RN (the only staff member on duty able to give meds) immediately), and mom got her meds. At the end of visiting hours I wondered what would happen overnight when I could not be there. I am not often assertive, but when asking fails. However, Janie should ask again before trying anything dramatic. I hope asking works this time. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: gnu Date: 19 Mar 12 - 03:47 PM Well, I would agree with that. Back in 83, I asked and asked and then told the head nurse at their station that if i didn't get to see the doc (nearly 24 hrs at that point) that I was gonna start taking the place apart and I was gonna begin with the fancy comm panel upon which the doc could apparently not be reached. He arrived in less than two minutes. An austere English doc who matter-of-factly told me it was now medical research. I asked when my father would be transported back to his home town and said if it didn't happen, my Irish cousins would arrive to bring him home and it wouldn't be pretty and my and Dad's terrible experiences would be written down, sent to the Minister of Health, my MLA, the Premier and all the newspaper editors in Canada. He made a call immediately and said, "Before noon tomorrow. I am sorry for your inconvenience." and left. So, yes, there is a "breaking point" but I don't think it's just yet in this case. I would ask again, then ask the question(s?) I suggested. Then, perhaps... "So, if PT is not prescribed and I end up with further problems, is that "covered" or do I have to sue?" That might wake them up. But yelling at them just yet... can't see it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: katlaughing Date: 19 Mar 12 - 05:42 PM Probably someone at your employer and someone at Worker's Comp are probably arguing over which is going to pay for what. That's what happened with Rog. It took some doing and we had no paycheck for over a month, but by being persistent and vocal, we managed to get it squared away. Good luck, darlin'. luvyakat |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Janie Date: 20 Mar 12 - 08:16 PM I didn't even have to ask. The first words out of his mouth today were "The knee has healed nicely. With physical therapy you should be back to normal in just a few weeks." I doubt he even remembered telling me previously it would not be necessary. BTW, it is great to be out of that brace, even if I am more than a little wobbly. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: maeve Date: 20 Mar 12 - 09:58 PM Here's a Big smile for you, Janie. Congtatulations! http://www.baconbabble.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/big-smile.jpg Maeve |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Rapparee Date: 20 Mar 12 - 10:18 PM I couldn't imagine that they would NOT provide physical therapy! You'll be climbing the walls again in no time! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: ChanteyLass Date: 20 Mar 12 - 10:42 PM Hooray, Janie! I am so happy that you will get the physical therapy you deserve and need! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Sandra in Sydney Date: 21 Mar 12 - 05:22 AM excellent news |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Janie Date: 21 Mar 12 - 06:21 AM maeve, love the happy porker! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Rapparee Date: 21 Mar 12 - 09:29 AM Well? Why are you just sitting around? Get to therapy!!!! |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: Wilfried Schaum Date: 21 Mar 12 - 10:25 AM 1) Do NOT repeat NOT remove any immobilizer or other installations without doctor's orders 2) Had the same demolition on left patella in 1983. Knee got surgery, was stabilized with wire for 1 enttire year. 3) Any surgeon telling you that you don't need rehab should be shot at sight. Funny health system in the States. I was treated by the US Medical Corps and then at a German army hospital for more than 3 months. Standard procedure. |
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Subject: RE: BS: leg rehab after broken patella? From: maeve Date: 21 Mar 12 - 10:50 AM Wilfried- 1. Yep. 2. That's a long time. I hope you healed well. 3. She's getting the rehab. "The first words out of his mouth today were "The knee has healed nicely. With physical therapy you should be back to normal in just a few weeks." (Janie) Joyful Janie- Glad you appreciated the toothsome piggie! My best, most recent, PT has been lifting large, full kettles onto and off of the woodstove several times a day (for hot water bathing, cooking, washing dishes, laundry, etc.) and carrying 1 gallon milk jugs (six at a time)full of well water up the basement stairs to the kitchen. I've regained most of the muscle strength lost after my injury. My rule of thumb...knee... is to follow doctor's orders first, then add my own daily task strength building in the course of the day when appropriate. Still working on flexibility, but strength is much better. Enjoy your new freedom and take care. |
