Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Creve Coeur, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Creve Coeur, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through this path, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Creve Coeur, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Creve Coeur, 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 prosthetic components. This surgery is typically good for people dealing with 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 undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing 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 refinished 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 medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore 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 typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Creve Coeur, 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, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Creve Coeur, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler 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: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and lift 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 flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the right physical therapy in Creve Coeur for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a solid 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 Creve Coeur, MO physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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 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. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly 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. 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: 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Creve Coeur, 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 rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are intended to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might practice with your Creve Coeur, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps 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 navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Creve Coeur, MO physical therapist, who can adjust the intensity and volume based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Creve Coeur, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves 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 pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Creve Coeur, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Creve Coeur, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but beneficial journey for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Creve Coeur, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.