Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Bonne Terre, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Bonne Terre, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. 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 getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting our patients through this process, delivering expert care, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We partner 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 in search of a physical therapist in Bonne Terre, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Bonne Terre, 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 artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for people experiencing severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 such as medications, 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 discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance 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 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 Bonne Terre, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, 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 the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Bonne Terre, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the new joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for simpler 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 involve:

• 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 release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Bonne Terre, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the ideal physical therapy in Bonne Terre for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Bonne Terre, MO physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain 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 contributes to recovery by improving circulation, decreasing 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, helping 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, tighten your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise strengthens your quadriceps and improves 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 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 strength and balance improve, you can move 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 Bonne Terre, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent 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 designed to challenge your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may perform with your Bonne Terre, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning 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 building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Bonne Terre, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Bonne Terre, MO

As you progress beyond 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 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: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Bonne Terre, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Bonne Terre, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but beneficial journey for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Bonne Terre, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated 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 focused on supporting you in attaining 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 begin in your recovery today.