Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Desloge, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Desloge, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-surgery recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through this process, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Desloge, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Desloge, 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 generally good for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the daily life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to 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, introducing prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 substituted with artificial components constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. 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 regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 gradually return to their daily activities. 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 Desloge, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Desloge, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps supporting the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for easier 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

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

• 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 floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Desloge for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing a robust 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 Desloge, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do 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 lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and increases 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 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. Gradually, 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 Desloge, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are intended to challenge your knee within the boundaries 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 improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might do with your Desloge, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking assists in improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Desloge, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify how hard you push yourself and for how long depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Desloge, MO

As you move beyond 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 getting ready 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 continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
• 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 covered with your Desloge, 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 get the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile journey for those struggling with 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 rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Desloge, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can return to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on 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 begin in your recovery today.