Expert in Bone Health | Osteoporosis & Osteopenia Support London & Reading
From Two Walking Sticks to No Walking Aid.
Before and After Knee Replacement. One Woman’s Story.
Before you read any further, meet P.
“After the second replacement she worked on the scar tissue and converted it from a ‘mountain range’ to reasonably normal skin.”
P first came to see me in 2009. Her orthopaedic specialist had told her she was too young for a knee replacement. She was 53. Her X-rays showed severe joint degeneration and she walked slowly and cautiously using two walking sticks. She was in constant pain.
She had stopped umpiring and playing lawn bowls. She had gained three stone, felt depressed and believed it might be years before she could feel better.
I advised her to seek a second opinion. She went on to have knee replacement surgery.
Before her first operation she committed to a structured rehabilitation programme. She lost two stone and built significant strength in the muscles supporting her knees. This preparation meant her recovery after knee replacement surgery was excellent, and she later went on to have the second knee replaced.
Following the second operation she developed a ridge of scar tissue that prevented her from kneeling comfortably. We addressed this through scar tissue mobilisation techniques, a specialist form of physiotherapy used to improve mobility and reduce restriction in post-surgical scar tissue.
In the mid-1990s I trained in Connective Tissue Manipulation (CTM), also known as Bindegewebsmassage. This specialised manual therapy was developed in Germany by Elisabeth Dicke in the 1930s and later formalised by Maria Ebner. It is a precise and gentle technique that works with the fascial layers between the skin and muscle and is designed to influence the autonomic nervous system, circulation and tissue function.
Over a series of treatment sessions I worked carefully with the scar tissue ridge. Gradually the tissue became more mobile and less restrictive, as you can see in the picture and accompanying video.
Alongside this treatment we also worked on improving her balance, walking pattern and functional movement.
Today, after two knee replacements, she walks confidently with no walking aids and has regained independence in everyday movement.
Full story and pictures below.
Chronic Pain & Arthritis
If you need help and would like to learn how to manage your pain and improve your mobility then lets have a conversation to discuss options.
Jill Wigmore-Welsh MSc HCPC CSP FRSPH IAAP
Advanced Practice Physiotherapist
Consulting all over the UK via webcam, consulting rooms in Reading and London, house call by arrangement.
(44) 7885467466
Learn how to manage your pain, feel less depressed and get back walking
In PJ’s own words:
“I am PJ — I am a civil servant, and a Lawn Bowls umpire.
I have been consulting Jill on and off for some years. Originally she helped with the consequences of operations on my knees — with her support I lost 3 stone in weight, she kept me mobile and amazingly pain free.
In the period before both knee joints were replaced, she taught me exercises which prepared my legs for the operations. This made the post-operative period much easier for me. Between operations she worked on the strength and flexibility of the replaced knee and kept the second knee — and me — moving.
After the second replacement she worked on the scar tissue and converted it from a ‘mountain range’ to reasonably normal skin. She has since helped me with a painful ankle and got me flexible again after a painful fall.
From observing others who had knee joints replaced, Jill’s work both before and after gave me a much easier and more mobile time. She helped me return to walking normally rather than the rolling gait that’s usually present. The mobility she gave me meant I could continue umpiring right up to the operations — and very soon after.
I’ll admit I was a bit low when I first saw Jill. But as we talked, made plans, and she plotted the best way to make my leg pain-free and normal again, I started to have hope and my depression lifted.
She uses hands-on techniques, teaches rehab exercises, and practices mind work.
I would recommend Jill for her experience, diverse skills, and especially her judgement.”
— PJ
