Determination helps patient overcome challenges of physical therapy after knee replacement surgery

Tami Helkey was eager to recover her once active lifestyle hampered by knee pain, so she wasn’t going to let a post-surgery scar tissue get in her way.
July 18, 2024
Tami Helkey embraced physical therapy after knee replacement surgeries. Photos: UCHealth.
Tami Helkey embraced physical therapy after knee replacement surgeries. Photos: UCHealth.

Tami Helkey loved playing with her grandson, tending her garden, hiking and getting outdoors.

Then, persistent knee pain took all of that away. Rather than sit and accept her fate, she decided to replace her creaky knees and overcome a sometimes-challenging recovery by embracing physical therapy.

Her reward was sweet.

Tami’s struggles with pain and immobility led to frustrating moments of doubt. She leaned on her supportive family and friends, particularly her grandchild, to visit and cheer her up.

“I babysit my grandson and like to work in the yard. I really enjoy walking,” Tami said. “But the constant pain prevented me from doing those activities. Even swimming became challenging.”

Her knee pain also affected her work.

“I had a job where I was going up and down stairs every day,” said Tami. “But as time went on, I noticed that both of my knees started hurting really bad – lots of pain and swelling.”

While the idea of replacing her knees was daunting, Tami yearned to regain her former mobility and fully enjoy an active life again. She knew she needed help to alleviate her aching joints.

Enter Dr. Shane Rothermel at UCHealth Orthopedics Clinic at Park West in Pueblo, to whom she was referred after visiting with her primary care physician.

“After an exam and MRI, I had a long visit with Dr. Rothermel and decided to go ahead with a total right knee replacement last June.”

Physical therapy helps restore knees to active use

The surgery gives the patient a new knee joint. Then the real work for the patient begins as physical therapists help make the knee strong again and restore as much full motion as possible.

Patients who undergo total knee replacement will generally have 12 to 18 physical therapy sessions, focusing on rebuilding strength, range of motion and flexibility. Exercises learned in therapy are continued at home for the next year as the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments heal. Total recovery time can take from 10 to 12 months, but each patient’s recovery is unique.

Tami Helkey said the power of positive thinking and physical therapy helped her return to doing the things she loves after she had knee surgeries.
Tami Helkey said the power of positive thinking and physical therapy helped her return to doing the things she loves after she had knee surgeries.

Tami started physical therapy sessions immediately after the surgery.  Working with the UCHealth Parkview rehabilitation staff came up with realistic and achievable goals for Tami’s recovery. They broke down the process into small, manageable milestones, such as increasing bend and range of motion in the knee by a degree or two each session.  However, she soon met her first rehab challenge.

At first, Tami’s goal was to get her right knee to bend more.

“It was so tight. And despite all the stretches and exercises, it refused to bend any further,” Tami said.

Scar tissue, a common complication, was taking hold and not letting go. Fortunately, there is a simple outpatient procedure to help.

Manipulation under anesthesia (often called MUA) is a non-invasive procedure that helps a patient regain motion if the total knee replacement becomes stiff. Before the procedure the patient is given anesthesia (put to sleep) in the operating room. The doctor will then gently bend and straighten the affected knee joint, applying gentle force to break up any scar tissue or adhesions causing the tightness.

“My progress stalled, and I had to undergo a manipulation to break up scar tissue,” Tami said, “But after that – I was able to make great progress and the range of motion on my right knee has greatly improved. I was so elated.”

Small victories lead to improved rehabilitation and recovery

Buoyed by that small victory, Tami was back on the rehab track.

“When I had that small set back and scar tissue developed, it’s easy to get down and get a negative outlook. I needed to remind myself to stay positive and keep looking ahead and stay focused on accomplishing my goals.

“Every day in therapy, there are little victories: a few more degrees in knee motion, a more normal walking gait, a little less pain,” Tami said.

“My favorite exercise machine to use is the recumbent bike,” said Tami. “It really helps loosen me up and get me ready for my other exercises. The PW PT department is fantastic, along with my ortho doctors. Each therapist has their own unique skill set and I learned something new each session.”

Tami Helkey works with physical therapist Jaymei Ownbey to strengthen her knees after total knee replacement surgery..
Tami Helkey works with physical therapist Jaymie Ownbey to strengthen her knees after total knee replacement surgery..

After nine months of physical therapy, Tami had the confidence to do a total knee replacement in her left knee as well.

“I was better prepared the second time. I knew what to expect so I was ready to get physical therapy going right away,” said Tami.

Final thoughts

“I was glad that I did both surgeries,” said Tami. “But I knew there was a long road ahead with recovery. The pain was bad at times, but it does get better. The exercises help you tone up, get stronger and I knew that I was on track to function in a more normal capacity.”

Tami is closer to being able to participate in activities she once took for granted, like working in the garden, taking short hikes, and have more extended playtime with her grandchild.

“I want to thank UCHealth Parkview Outpatient Rehabilitation and all the medical staff that has taken care of me. They have been so supportive, helpful, understand and encouraging to me. I’m grateful to have such a wonderful team. I have my life back.”

About the author

Born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, Seip graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Southern Colorado and later obtained a master’s degree in education from Walden University in Maryland. After graduation, he started his career in the media industry, working as a news reporter, director and program manager at KCSJ Radio/Pueblo Broadcasters Inc. He then moved into the arts sector, working at the Sangre De Cristo Arts and Conference Center in Pueblo.

His passion for education led him to pursue a career in teaching, spending 20 years in Pueblo School District 70 teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), music and computer science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as the public information officer and assistant director for the Pueblo School District 70 Department of Student Services. Currently, he serves as a communications specialist for UCHealth Parkview Medical Center.

Seip is married to Kerry, a music and STEM teacher in Pueblo School District 70, and is the proud father of two adopted children, both currently attending universities in Colorado.