Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Clover Bottom, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Clover Bottom, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, 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 recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through this path, offering professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Clover Bottom, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Clover Bottom, 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 often good for individuals suffering from significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including 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 entails 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 depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging 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 improve knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. 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 Clover Bottom, 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, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Clover Bottom, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the new joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for easier manipulation and mobilization post-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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Clover Bottom, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the right physical therapy in Clover Bottom for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring 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 Clover Bottom, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises contribute to 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 soon after surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down enhances 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold 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. Slowly 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. 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 Clover Bottom, 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 rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to challenge 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 enhance 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 might engage in with your Clover Bottom, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps improving 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 ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Clover Bottom, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts towards more advanced 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 setting the stage for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging in 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, 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 explored with your Clover Bottom, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Clover Bottom, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile decision for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Clover Bottom, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right 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 dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in achieving 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.