Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Clarkson Valley, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, 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 post-surgery recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through this process, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all 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 looking for a physical therapist in Clarkson Valley, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Clarkson Valley, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically good 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 need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including 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 made of 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 the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning 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 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 Clarkson Valley, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization post-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: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
• 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 enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the right physical therapy in Clarkson Valley for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a strong 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 Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and participation in 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 prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down enhances 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, 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 possible, 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: Initially, 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 Clarkson Valley, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and returning 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 designed 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve 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 might perform with your Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with light resistance, stationary biking assists in improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist, who can adjust how hard you push yourself and for how long according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Clarkson Valley, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Clarkson Valley, MO physical therapist, highlighting 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.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but beneficial decision for those dealing with 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 key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Clarkson Valley, MO is a personal journey, but with the right team in your corner you can return to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, employing 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.