Doctor vs. Physical Therapist
(2 discussions)
my doctor says I need surgery, my PT says I can do the stretches and it might get better. who to believe very confused, im not even sure what I have, my knee swells on the right side and the whole knee goes to about two grape fruits however it doesn’t hurt but alot of pressure, it feels almost numbing, I plan on getting a second opinion form a orthopedist and then again on a thrid opinion any advice?or have a clue what I have?
2 comments
Rob Mailly
I had a torn MCL and meniscus 15 years ago. It wasn’t functional and demanded surgery at the time. 15 years and about 9 more surgeries on the same knee I can say this. In my case, scar tissue is my worse enemy and invasive procedures (surgery) were the cause. If you knee is only painful, and not yet mechanically disfunctional (severe instability and/or locking),try the physical therapy route. PT’s have been invaluable to me for a speedy and good rehab after and prevented a recent surgery. PT’s are well trained and in my opinion interdependent with doctors. Good luck. If I could turn back time, I would have postponed a few of my “debridements” and the retinacular release.
Cara
You’re best to see an ortho specialist and have a proper test done (such as MRI) to determine any soft tissue injuries. Then your Physical Therapist can plan exercises specific to your knee condition. Give it a try before considering surgery. The external assessment by a PT may not be precise sometimes.