Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Calverton Park, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Calverton Park, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By replacing 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-surgery recovery process cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through your recovery, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We partner with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Calverton Park, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Calverton Park, 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 often recommended for individuals dealing with 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 daily life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments like 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 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 resurfaced depending 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 possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 learn exercises to enhance knee function and progressively 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 Calverton Park, MO

Any surgery, even if 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 challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Calverton Park, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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

Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:

• Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and lift 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 enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Calverton Park, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Calverton Park for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing 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 Calverton Park, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with 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: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting 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 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. 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 comfortable, 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. Over time, 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 Calverton Park, MO, the focus transitions 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 backed by science 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 rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might practice with your Calverton Park, MO physical therapist include:

• 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 strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Calverton Park, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Calverton Park, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating 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 challenge your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Calverton Park, MO physical therapist, highlighting 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 achieve the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Calverton Park, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.