Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Avon, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Avon, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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 necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, assisting 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 tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Avon, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Avon, MO

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 prosthetic components. This surgery is generally good for people experiencing 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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 substituted with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished based on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to enhance knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Avon, 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, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Avon, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler 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

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 relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and raise 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 helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Avon, MO physical therapist, are intended 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 Avon for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing a robust 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 Avon, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises aid in reducing 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 helps with 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then gently 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 possible, 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as balance and strength 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 Avon, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence 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 intended to challenge your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

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

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

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

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce 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 manage steps with safety and confidence.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Avon, MO

As you move 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 reclaiming 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 engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee support and stability.
• 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 explored with your Avon, MO physical therapist, emphasizing 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 get the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile 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 key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Avon, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can return 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 devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in attaining 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 begin in your recovery today.