Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Campbellton, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Campbellton, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. 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 cannot be overstated.
Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through this path, delivering expert care, supporting you, and helping you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, 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 Campbellton, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Campbellton, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is often recommended for people experiencing 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 like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.
The Process of TKR Surgery
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive 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 substituted with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based 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. 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 strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve 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 progressively return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Campbellton, MO
Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Campbellton, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing 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: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
- Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower 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 Campbellton, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Identifying the ideal physical therapy in Campbellton for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Campbellton, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan to help with:
- Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises help reduce 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 aids in recovery by improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.
Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery
- Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, helping 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. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then gently 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. Slowly 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Campbellton, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning 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 designed to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you could engage in with your Campbellton, 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 needed for mobility exercises.
- Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Campbellton, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Campbellton, MO
As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 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: Squats and lunges further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential 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 covered with your Campbellton, 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 get the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Campbellton, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile decision for those suffering from 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 crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Campbellton, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love safely and effectively.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to 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.