And Here is DAVE!

David Newman is our "official" physical therapist. We see him for evaluation on progress and modifications to the physical therapy exercises I do at Tripler Army Medical Center three times a week. Dave takes periodic measurements of the degree of bend that the leg with the new knee can do. (I am proud to say the angle of bend today measured at 138 degrees) He also sets goals for strengthening specific muscle groups and weight bearing. We have now added exercises to prepare for a total hip replacement - the right hip. Dave works with a group of dedicated and knowledgeable physical therapy technicians. I am never alone when working on exercises toward a full recovery. Each visit has you assigned to someone who is with you to assist, answer questions and encourage.



Here Dave is working with a patient who received a total knee replacement very recently. See that smile? He smiles just about all of the time he is working with you and encouraging you. Can't really ask for more than that. The people in PT have begun to be a bright spot in our week.

You can't see it in this photo but the right leg on this patient is the one with the new knee and the staples are still in. You can tell the knee is new because the bruising has yet to develop. A couple of photos below show my leg after the bruises began to bloom.



Pretty, huh? Interesting colors.

8 Weeks and 1 Day

Today after Physical Therapy we had an appointment with Dr. Lee. He is still smiling, engaging, and patient. Dr. Lee said that at 8 weeks I am about 1/4th of the way through recovery. He seemed to be pleased with the progress made. We will see him again in a few months. I hope to make him proud of his handiwork. He and Dr. Gumboc did a great job!



We took advantage of a display of the new knee and snapped the photo above. We think it may be a side view with the knee cap on the left side of the image.

Physical therapy continues. John took several videos of me hard at work.



This exercise involves going up, then down one step (15 times twice) using the leg with the new knee. When the knee was brand new, we began with stepping up and down on a platform about 3 inches high. Then we worked up to the steps shown that are 6 inches high. This strengthened the muscles in the leg that control actions of the knee. After about 7 weeks came the wonderful going-up-2-steps approach. This exercise is aimed at increasing the strength in the leg with the new knee. (10 times twice) (Whew!)



This is a new exercise for me - started this week. A strong spring is inside of a jacket of blue cloth with a belt at the end. The first assignment is called the "Monster Walk." It seems strange, but it strengthens lots of leg muscles. You must walk as far as you can pulling on the spring but using circular monster steps. A strong Physical Therapy person walks behind me in case I lose my balance and spring backward out of control.

Next comes doing side steps going as far as I can while pulling against the spring. I asked today and learned this exercise is to strengthen the adductor muscles in the thigh.



I must admit I had no idea where these muscles were and what they do. So I "Googled" the term and found this image. Whatever they are - mine are getting stronger!