Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Ballwin, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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.
Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through your recovery, offering professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Ballwin, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Ballwin, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often good for individuals dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, 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 found relief from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.
The Process of TKR Surgery
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring 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 replaced 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: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to restore 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 typically requires 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 relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO
Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Ballwin, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the new joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for easier manipulation and mobilization after the 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 involve:
- Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, tighten 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, 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, among others recommended by your Ballwin, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Finding the perfect physical therapy in Ballwin for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing 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 Ballwin, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to assist in:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern 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 improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.
Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery
- Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, aiding 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold 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 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: At first, 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 Ballwin, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and returning 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 challenge your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 might engage in with your Ballwin, MO physical therapist could include:
- 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Ballwin, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume based on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Ballwin, 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 regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating 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 further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital 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 Ballwin, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile journey for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Ballwin, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love safely and effectively.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.