Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in All Saints Village, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in All Saints Village, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. 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-op recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting you through this journey, offering expert care, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in All Saints Village, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in All Saints Village, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often recommended for people dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain 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 have not seen enough progress from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails excising 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 constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based 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 assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to build the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to improve knee function and progressively 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 All Saints Village, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in All Saints Village, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler 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: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, contract 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 raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your All Saints Village, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the ideal physical therapy in All Saints Village for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a robust 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 All Saints Village, MO physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• 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 frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and improves 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 comfortable, bending the knee. Maintain 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 All Saints Village, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may engage in with your All Saints Village, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your All Saints Village, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor how hard you push yourself and for how long depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in All Saints Village, MO

As you progress 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 reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing 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: These exercises further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your All Saints Village, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in All Saints Village, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in All Saints Village, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

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