Black Jack, MO

Black Jack, MO

Call Axes to return to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner after your TKR surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Black Jack, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Black Jack, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through this process, delivering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. 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 looking for a physical therapist in Black Jack, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Black Jack, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to 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 experiencing 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 need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

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 entails 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 replaced with artificial components constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished depending on the condition of the knee.
  • Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense 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 learn exercises to enhance knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Black Jack, MO

Any surgery, though it may be in your best interest at the end of the day, 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 demands of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Black Jack, MO can benefit you:

  • Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
  • Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing for simpler 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 include:

  • Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
  • Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten 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 greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the ideal physical therapy in Black Jack for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Black Jack, MO physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan geared towards:

  • Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
  • Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain 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: Starting gentle exercises soon after 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 enhances 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise 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. Slowly 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 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Black Jack, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to challenge your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

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

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may practice with your Black Jack, MO physical therapist include:

  • Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking helps enhancing 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Black Jack, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Black Jack, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced stages of recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

  • Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
  • Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Black Jack, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Black Jack, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile decision 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, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Black Jack, MO is different for each person, but with the best team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

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 assist you through each phase, offering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing 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 get started in your recovery today.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • 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

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director

Locations

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Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.