Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Dardenne Prairie, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Dardenne Prairie, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. 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 only part of the journey towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through your recovery, delivering expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Dardenne Prairie, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Dardenne Prairie, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 have not seen enough progress from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising 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 involves excising 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 constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging 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 normal, independent life. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Dardenne Prairie, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately in your best interest, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Dardenne Prairie, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee helps 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 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

Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may involve:

• Quad Sets: Position yourself 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. 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 greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the ideal physical therapy in Dardenne Prairie for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help securing a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Dardenne Prairie, MO physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in 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 enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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. Perform this exercise frequently throughout the day.
• Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, tighten 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 move 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 Dardenne Prairie, 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 designed to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 perform with your Dardenne Prairie, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Dardenne Prairie, MO physical therapist, who can tailor how hard you push yourself and for how long based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Dardenne Prairie, 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 securing the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing 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: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Dardenne Prairie, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Dardenne Prairie, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but rewarding decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Dardenne Prairie, MO is different for each person, but with the best team in your corner you can return 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 committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.