Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Affton, MO | TKR Recovery

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Affton, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Affton, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding our patients through your recovery, offering expert care, supporting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Affton, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Affton, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally recommended for individuals dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, 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 entails removing the damaged cartilage and bone surfaces from the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone). These surfaces are then substituted with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished depending on the condition of the knee.
Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Affton, MO | TKR Recovery | Physical Therapy Near Affton

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Affton, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in 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 safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Affton, MO can benefit you:

Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a faster 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

While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:

Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Affton, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the ideal physical therapy in Affton for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Affton, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises contribute to reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing swelling, and initiating 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. Do 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. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and increases knee stability.
Knee Bends (Seated and Lying):
- Seated: Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Gradually slide your foot back under the chair as far as possible, 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as strength and balance improve, you can move 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 Affton, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are intended to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might perform with your Affton, MO physical therapist include:

Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Affton, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust how hard you push yourself and for how long according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Affton, MO

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

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Affton, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Affton, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but beneficial decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Affton, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize 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 attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.