Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Crestwood, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Crestwood, MO experiencing 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 full recovery and improved quality of life. 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 marathon, not a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting our patients through your recovery, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any 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 looking for a physical therapist in Crestwood, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Crestwood, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally good for individuals dealing with 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than 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 discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and improve 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 normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Crestwood, 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, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Crestwood, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting 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: 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 attempt 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 improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the right physical therapy in Crestwood for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a solid 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 Crestwood, MO physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for promoting 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 advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and starting 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, aiding 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. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise strengthens 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, as strength and balance improve, you can transition 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 Crestwood, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may perform with your Crestwood, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, 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 safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Crestwood, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Crestwood, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions 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 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 strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing 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 Crestwood, MO physical therapist, underscoring 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 get the best possible results for our patients.

Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Crestwood, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but beneficial decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Crestwood, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can return to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets 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.