Patient Information Resources


Alpine Physical Therapy
Three Locations
In North, South, and Downtown Missoula
Missoula, MT 59804
Ph: 406-251-2323
Fax: 406-251-2999
Info@AlpinePTmissoula.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Pain Management
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - General
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

« Back

I had my left knee replaced with a new joint. It's taken me a long time to get my strength back. But even with good strength, I notice I'm still much slower than I want to be getting up and down out of a chair or up and down stairs. What can I do for this?

Studies show that strength deficits can persist months to years after a total knee replacement. And even when strength is normal, movement patterns learned when you were in pain don't go away without retraining.

You may be in this second category. Patterns of movement adopted to avoid use of the quadriceps muscle before the knee replacement may still be present. A physical therapist can help you change the way you move.

Compensation patterns used to avoid pain can actually place extra load on the other leg. The long-term result can be arthritis on that side. The therapist will test your muscle strength to be sure this isn't part of the problem. Functional tests of speed and endurance can help identify the specific problems to be addressed.


References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.