Argentville, MO

Argentville, MO

Contact Axes to resume the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively after your TKR surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Argentville, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Argentville, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. 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 just a step towards full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, aiding you, and getting you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. 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 seeking a physical therapist in Argentville, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Argentville, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is often recommended for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the daily life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

  • Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
  • Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves excising 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 resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
  • Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins 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 restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen 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 learn exercises to enhance knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

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

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Argentville, MO can benefit you:

  • Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
  • Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for easier manipulation and mobilization post-surgery.
  • Educates Patients: Comprehending 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 involve:

  • 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. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
  • Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and lift 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 flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the right physical therapy in Argentville for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Argentville, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to help with:

  • Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
  • Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises aid in reducing 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 shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting the process of restoring mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

  • Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do this exercise regularly throughout the day.
  • Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, engage your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise strengthens 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 Argentville, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence 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 limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

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

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may do with your Argentville, MO physical therapist include:

  • Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Argentville, MO physical therapist, who can modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Argentville, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions 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 solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging 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, essential for knee support and stability.
  • Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Argentville, 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 Argentville, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Argentville, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Locations

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