Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Greater St. Louis. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in St. Louis suffering from severe knee arthritis and other debilitating knee conditions. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding our patients through this journey, providing expert care, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a St. Louis physical therapist, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in St. Louis

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces from the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). These surfaces are then replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthoplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis

Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in St. Louis can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps support the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing for easier manipulation and mobilization post-surgery.
• Educates Patients: Understanding the recovery process, exercises, and the use of assistive devices before surgery reduces post-operative anxiety.

Key Pre-Surgery Exercises

Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:

• Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed or floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your St. Louis physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the right physical therapy in St. Louis for your post surgical rehabilitation can help ensure a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your St. Louis physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, helping to prevent blood clots. Perform this exercise frequently throughout the day.
• Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, tighten your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise strengthens your quadriceps and improves knee stability.
• Knee Bends (Seated and Lying):
  • Seated: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly slide your foot back under the chair as far as comfortable, bending the knee. Hold for a few seconds and slide back.
  • Lying: Lying on your back, place a small rolled towel under your ankle. Bend your knee by sliding your foot towards your buttocks, keeping your heel on the bed.
• Use of Walking Aids: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as strength and balance improve, you can transition to using a cane, and eventually return to walking on your own.

Intermediate TKR Recovery Phase

As you progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in St. Louis, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are designed to challenge your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might do with your St. Louis physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improve knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your St. Louis physical therapist, who can adjust the intensity and volume based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in St. Louis

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your St. Louis physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Louis

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in St. Louis is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.