Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Crystal City, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Crystal City, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By substituting 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 enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through this journey, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. 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 Crystal City, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Crystal City, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often good for people experiencing 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, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing 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 resurfaced based 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. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 enhance knee function and gradually 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 Crystal City, MO

Any surgery, though it may be 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 the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Crystal City, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the 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 include:

• Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down 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, among others recommended by your Crystal City, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Crystal City for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a solid 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 Crystal City, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in 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 regularly throughout the day.
• Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, engage your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then gently 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 Crystal City, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are intended to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense 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 improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may practice with your Crystal City, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing 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 safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Crystal City, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Crystal City, MO

As you advance past 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 restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• 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 explored with your Crystal City, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe 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 Crystal City, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile decision for those struggling 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 crucial to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Crystal City, 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 recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.