Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ballwin, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Ballwin, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting you through this process, offering professional healthcare, aiding you, and getting you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any 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 Ballwin, MO, contact Axes online or call 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 known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is often good for people dealing with 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 quality of 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, 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 fortify the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves removing 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: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to build the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught 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.

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

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately in your best interest, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Ballwin, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for easier manipulation and mobilization after the 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 include:

• 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 release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing 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 Ballwin, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen 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 Ballwin for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a strong 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 create a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and engagement with 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 prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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. 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. 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as balance and strength 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 Ballwin, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research 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 intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve 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 perform with your Ballwin, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Ballwin, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the intensity and volume depending 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 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 getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means returning to 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 stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Ballwin, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to achieve 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 rewarding journey for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is key to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Ballwin, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support 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 guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to 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.