Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Concord, MO | TKR Recovery

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Concord, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Concord, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing 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 full recovery and enhanced quality of life. 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 dedicated to leading our patients 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 looking for a physical therapist in Concord, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Concord, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically good for individuals experiencing severe knee pain and mobility issues due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the daily life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

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 involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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 replaced with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished 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 begins as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies 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 relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Concord, MO | TKR Recovery | Physical Therapy Near Concord

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Concord, MO

Any surgery, even if the best thing for you at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Concord, MO are:

Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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: Sit 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: While lying flat, engage 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: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Concord, 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 Concord for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a solid 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 Concord, MO physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan to assist in:

Pain Management: Efficient pain control is crucial for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern 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 starting the process of regaining 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. Perform 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 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. 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 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Concord, 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: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve 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 may engage in with your Concord, MO physical therapist could include:

Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce 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 Concord, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Concord, MO

As you move 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 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: These exercises further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
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 Concord, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial journey for those dealing with 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 essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Concord, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

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 support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses 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 begin in your recovery today.