Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:46 — 73.9MB)
Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSS | More
A Knee Replacement Recovery Gone Wrong (and then gone right again!)
by Mike Wyckoff
My name is Mike Wyckoff. I underwent total knee replacement surgery (which included a lateral release) on May 23, 2018. Here’s the story of the XIO Knee Machine and how it affected my life.
A Tough Recovery
My post-op recovery had been very difficult. I was using the routine CPM (continuous passive motion) machine three times a day for two hours each session. And my knee had swollen almost to the size of a bowling ball. I saw the doctor for the first time two weeks after my surgery.

He was surprised to see so much swelling. He told me to stop all physical therapy for a few days to rest my knee. I then began a full PT regime with a therapist three days a week. And I rigorously followed all instructions to perform several exercises at home every day. I never missed a day, and I pushed hard. I still had much residual swelling, and a large hematoma on the side of my knee where the lateral release was performed.
Five Weeks Post-Surgery
Five weeks after my knee replacement surgery, I had severe prostatitis and had to be hospitalized for IV antibiotics. Fortunately, the bacterial infection did not affect my knee replacement. This was thanks to the quick, diligent response from my surgeon and an infectious disease specialist. But I lost nearly two weeks of real physical therapy, and my knee was not progressing in its extension and flexion.
Ten Weeks Post-Surgery
Ten weeks out from surgery, the orthopedic surgeon said we needed to schedule an MUA (manipulation under anesthesia). He said he was concerned that in my case, the manipulation might be counterproductive considering my post-op difficulties with such intense swelling. Nevertheless, my MUA was scheduled for the next week. My wife came home from our doctor appointment, prayed, and went to the internet to search ‘alternatives to MUA.’ The X10 machine popped up. She spoke with PJ Ewing (while I was at PT). And when I returned home, limping in the door from my PT, she asked me to look at the on the internet site and call PJ. To say the least, I was skeptical, exhausted, and discouraged.
Getting the X10™
I spoke with PJ and he said a machine could be sent to my home. But it would be five days in arriving. My MUA was scheduled in seven days. PJ said they could get an X10 to Georgia by the next day. I have a nephew who lives in Georgia. So my wife and I got in the car, drove almost all night to Georgia. We met the technician who delivered the X10 to my nephew’s home the following day. I used the X10 for four days in Georgia and, with PJ’s consent, took it back to Oklahoma. I then asked for an appointment with my doctor the day before my scheduled MUA.
The orthopedic surgeon was shocked at my progress and cancelled the MUA. I had progressed in my flexion from 96 degrees to 112 degrees, and my extension was also much improved. By the time I saw the surgeon again ten days later, my flexion was at 125 degrees and my extension was at O degrees. God answered our prayers, I avoided the MUA, and my knee continues to improve daily.
The X10 Team
From Dave Lahmann, who delivered the XIO to my nephew’s home in Georgia and showed me how to properly to use it, to his wife (and my recovery coach) Tricia, who provided excellent advice and timely encouragement throughout my time with The X10 to the entire support staff – all were wonderfully instrumental in the success I had.
And PJ, not enough thanks can be spoken for his understanding of my struggle and his flexibility in allowing me to transport this machine back to Oklahoma.
Finally, I cannot speak enough praise for the X10 machine. It is like a progressive, controlled, measured manipulation, rather than an MUA administered in a few minutes in surgery by the doctor. With the machine, I gradually broke up the scar tissue without increasing swelling at all. Further, the discomfort of “pushing to the next degree” of flexion was accompanied by absolutely no residual pain. It was truly amazing.
I offer the strongest encouragement to anyone to try this machine. Just maybe, the X10 will be the answer to your prayers too!
The X10 Meta-Blog
We call it a “Meta-Blog” because we step back and give you a broad perspective on all aspects of knee health, surgery and recovery and such subjects as knee replacement recovery gone wrong. Voted Top 10 Knee Blog of 2018.
In this one-of-a-kind blog we gather together great thinkers, doers, writers related to Knee Surgery, Recovery, Preparation, Care, Success and Failure. Meet physical therapists, coaches, surgeons, patients, and as many smart people as we can gather to create useful articles for you. Whether you have a surgery upcoming, in the rear-view mirror, or just want to take care of your knees to avoid surgery, you should find some value here. Executive Editor: PJ Ewing (info@x10therapy.com)