“Never Again!” 90-Year-Old Woman Ditches Surgery to Cure Knees
She had knee surgery once. At 90, she’s healing again—without surgery. Discover her story with the BRT Program.
Mrs. Ampan Pitakwong (Pan), 90 years old
Mrs. Ampan used to enjoy walking and chatting with neighbors, but she suffered from knee pain for nearly 20 years, making life increasingly difficult. Initially, she could still drive to work, converse with neighbors, and run errands independently. However, after frequent accidents, her daughter, Ms. Praphan, urged her to stay home. Despite her desire to socialize, the worsening knee pain made it impossible.
She initially decided to undergo knee surgery on one side based on a friend’s recommendation. However, the surgery had significant physical impacts and was so painful that she vowed never to undergo surgery again. The doctor who performed the surgery mentioned that she was the oldest patient he had operated on for knee osteoarthritis. Besides knee issues, she frequently suffered from acid reflux, leading to mood swings. Her daughter tried to alleviate her symptoms with herbal remedies, and she had several other chronic conditions as well.
As her osteoarthritis worsened, she could no longer drive or meet people as before, leading to significant emotional distress. Her daughter took her to a massage therapist to alleviate office syndrome symptoms and to provide some social interaction. After treatment at the clinic, her condition improved each time, and she expressed satisfaction, stating it was better than post-surgery.
During periods of severe knee pain, she was unhappy because she had previously been independent but now had to rely on others.
Treatment History Before Visiting BBL Wellness Center:
Underwent left knee surgery approximately one year before coming to us.
Received three hyaluronic acid injections.
Condition After First Visit on January 25, 2025
On January 25, 2025, Mrs. Ampan visited BBL Wellness Center for the first time. She had undergone left knee surgery about a year prior. Post-surgery, she could walk somewhat, but each step was challenging. She experienced deep knee pain radiating to the calf and chronic hip tightness. Particularly when bearing weight or changing positions, she felt sharp, intermittent pain, necessitating the use of a wheelchair most of the time.
Some nights, she experienced knee pain accompanied by swelling. Her legs appeared somewhat bowed. Additionally, she had pain behind the knee and occasional cramps, especially in the previously operated knee. Although not constant, these symptoms affected her daily life.
This marked the beginning of a significant journey—the day she decided to “stand up and fight” against chronic knee pain to regain a happy life. That day was the first step in our genuine rehabilitation journey with her.
Condition After Second Visit on February 5, 2025
Her condition began to show noticeable improvement. Previously reliant on a wheelchair, she could now stand and walk again, albeit with assistance. She still experienced some pain, especially when standing up or changing positions, such as getting out of a car or moving after prolonged sitting. However, overall pain had decreased and was not as severe as before.
Overall, her condition was improving. Her caregiver noted that she no longer complained of pain as she had previously.
Condition After Third Visit on February 12, 2025
Her overall condition showed clear improvement. She reported less knee pain than before. Remaining discomfort was mainly tightness in the right knee, especially behind the knee, calf, and thigh areas.
While at home, she rarely experienced knee pain. However, symptoms would arise during long trips, particularly after extended periods in a vehicle to receive treatment, leading to increased tightness and pain.
At night, she experienced no knee pain and could rest normally.
Condition After Fourth Visit on February 19, 2025
Her condition continued to fluctuate. The previous day, she received traditional therapy focusing on the neck, shoulders, and calves as a supplementary treatment.
Overall, her knee pain had decreased and was not constant. Particularly during rest or light activities, she did not experience pain.
Condition After the 5th Treatment on February 26, 2025
The patient’s overall condition has significantly improved. She rarely experiences pain—only mild soreness or brief twinges during walking, which do not interfere with her daily activities.
She no longer has nighttime pain, allowing her to sleep and rest normally.
Additionally, while pedaling a stationary bike, the patient reported no pain, indicating positive progress in her knee’s ability to bear weight and move smoothly.
Condition After the 6th Treatment on March 5, 2025, and the 7th on March 19, 2025
After seeing great progress during the first five sessions, the patient returned for her 6th and 7th treatments to further strengthen and stabilize the results. During this period, her body responded remarkably well, and clear improvements could be seen with every step she took.
She continued her sessions consistently and without interruption, motivated by her desire to recover as fully as possible—and the results were truly impressive. From someone who once couldn’t walk at all, she now walks with stability and ease. No more assistance, no walking stick—just graceful, independent steps home.
The pain she once experienced has almost completely subsided. She no longer suffers from nighttime pain, and now, whether she moves, gets up, walks, or even pedals on a stationary bike, she no longer feels the sharp discomfort she used to. Only mild, natural sensations remain as her joints continue healing.
At this stage, her knee pain had significantly diminished, with little to no symptoms visible. She also mentioned occasionally receiving Thai traditional massage to relieve muscle tension, which helped her feel more relaxed and move more freely.
However, due to the current hot weather, she hasn’t been exercising intensively. Still, she makes an effort to stretch regularly to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness from returning.
This isn’t just treatment—it’s a true return to life. And she stands as a shining example of what dedication, consistency, and hope can achieve.
Summary
Background History
Previously had right knee surgery around one year ago
Continued to experience occasional pain post-surgery, especially in the early stages
Symptoms Previously Experienced
Irregular knee pain, especially after sitting for long periods or getting out of a car
Occasional nighttime pain
Bowed legs, swollen knees, pain behind the knee
Occasional leg cramps
Tightness in the thighs, behind the knees, and calves
The left leg was tight but could stretch more than the right leg
Slight pain when bending the knee, but the range of motion gradually improved
Recovery and Self-Care Behavior
Received a Thai traditional massage occasionally to relieve muscle tightness
Did not exercise heavily during hot weather, but continued light stretching
Had temporary stiffness in the knee after a fall, but brain X-ray was normal, and walking improved afterward
Current Condition as of March 19, 2025
This grandmother is a truly inspiring case. When she first came in, she was in a wheelchair, unable to support herself, and in severe knee pain, barely able to talk or move on her own. Yet after just a few treatments, her progress became visible.
By the second session, she was able to stand and walk again, though initially with assistance. But just a few days later, by the third session, she could walk independently without any help or walking aids. Her confidence was returning.
By the fourth session, she could walk steadily on her own inside the clinic without needing any support. By the fifth session, she was even able to start light exercise at home, such as pedaling a stationary bike, and could return to her daily routines almost as if she were back to full strength.
Her condition has shown clear and remarkable improvement, both in terms of movement and pain levels. She now reports far less pain than before.
Overall Improvements Include:
Significant reduction in pain; she complains of it far less
No more nighttime pain
Only slight soreness or twinges when walking
No pain when pedaling a stationary bike
This case is a clear example of the potential of proper, non-surgical rehabilitation. No surgery, no medication—just the right care leading to real quality of life again.
Struggling with knee pain, stiffness, or limited movement? At BBL Wellness Center Clinic, we offer personalized assessments, expert guidance, and ongoing care, so you or your loved ones can move freely and live better.
With our professional experience, whether it’s pain from repetitive use or minor injuries from a fall, we are here to guide, treat, and tailor a care plan just for you, so you can confidently return to a safer, more active life.
💬 What You Can Expect:
🩺 Compassionate care focused on both physical therapy and mobility enhancement
🤝 Close follow-up for structured and consistent recovery progress
📍 Convenient location with a relaxing atmosphere
Good health starts with proactive care. Let’s begin today.
For more information or to consult with our medical team, contact us at:
📞 063-312-4866
📍 The Walk Ratchaphruek, Rama 5 – 2nd Floor, Room TRPAF2A-206 (in front of the glass elevator)
