Scar Tissue

[MartyD]

A few years ago I had both my knees replaced. My right knee had to be redone because of scar tissue limiting my range of motion. During rehab I tried really hard to keep bending the knees and squatting as deep as I could. Didn't want to go through that kind of surgery again. My range of motion in my knees has been a constant battle. I can barely get 90 degrees of bend. This keeps me from getting to full depth in my squats. No pain while walking or doing deadlifts. I'm 72 and kinda pissed about this constant battle. I've tried forcibly bending my knee past 90 degrees and holding it there. Doesn't seem to help much. Should I just suck it up and keep forcing the issue? What do I need to do to breakdown the scar tissue?

[Mark Rippetoe]

We've got to know more about it than just "scar tissue."

[MartyD]

Total knee replacement on both knees. Right side done first. 2 years later left side done. At that time my right side had lost a great deal of range of motion. While doing the left knee they went back in to the right knee to do what ever they'd to restore range of motion. I tried really hard during recovery to keep moving my joints to maintain a good range of motion. Over time I just slowly lost a lot of range mostly my right knee. The PA called it "scar tissue" build up. Right up above my knee is a hard mass not a swollen mass. I can press on it and it doesn't squish or move around.It's not painful to press on it. My knee will just move so far and then no more no matter how hard I try. Pain will start if I really try forcing it farther. Feels like I just don't have any more "stretch" in the connective tissues.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Post a video of your squats.

[Will Morris]

What do I need to do to breakdown the scar tissue?

I'm sorry to have to break it to you, but the only way you can actually get rid of scar tissue is to surgically remove it. That said, the most common reason why people post total knee arthroplasty lose flexion and extension is due to poor therapy after the surgery. Like Rip, I would like to see a video of your squat, and also a video of you trying to flex your knee maximally.