I saw Gretchen Lubin for 20 physical therapy sessions over 12 weeks for recovery from full knee replacement surgery in November 2024. I saw her twice a week in November and December and once a week in January 2025. In my first week of therapy she assigned 9 exercises which she increased to 13 after three weeks. She also added 1 - 3 lb. ankle weights after 3- 6 weeks of practice. I practiced these exercises at home every day 2x per day. All but six sessions with Gretchen were exactly the same: Gretchen observed me practicing the 9-13 exercises, then gave me a gentle massage on the lower leg and then iced the knee. In week 5, she had me begin bicycling. She also used the Tens machine and ultrasound in 3 sessions.
While Gretchen was initially very helpful immediately after surgery, massaging my leg to help it feel more comfortable and assisting me gain strength, the results after 12 weeks seemed somewhat disappointing. Although I was stronger, my flexibility and functionality were fairly limited. Four weeks after surgery I was able to bend my knee to 105 degrees, but by week 12, I was still only able to bend my knee to 105 degrees. When questioned, Gretchen replied "the current thinking is strengthening the leg is more important than flexibility." I was frequently startled by Gretchen asking me "what would you like to do today?" I thought she should be answering that question based on her evaluation of me and I had hoped for a little variety in exercise. While Gretchen is a very gentle and nice person, and an excellent massage therapist, I feel her treatment is limited because she doe not do manual manipulation nor emphasize joint mobility or methods to reduce swelling besides a gentle massage. Gretchen is also very challenged by time management. She consistently runs 15 - 30 minutes late. Her clinic also lacks up-to-date exercise equipment. The new physical therapist I have seen, who has more of a "sports medicine" mindset, has been able to increase my knee flexibility by 10 degrees in a little over two weeks and improve the knee comfort level immeasurably. read more