Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Doe Run, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Doe Run, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative 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 requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting you through this path, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities 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 customized, 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 Doe Run, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Doe Run, 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 artificial parts. This surgery is generally recommended for people dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments such as 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 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 entails 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 made of 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 the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 are taught exercises to enhance knee function and progressively 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 Doe Run, 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 demands of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Doe Run, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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
Depending on the specifics of your 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, 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: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and prevents blood clot formation.
These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Doe Run, 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 Doe Run for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a solid 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 Doe Run, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises contribute to reducing 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: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting 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. Do this exercise regularly 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. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly 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 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 balance and strength 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 Doe Run, MO, the focus shifts 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 limits of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you may perform with your Doe Run, MO physical therapist could include:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
- Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
- Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Doe Run, MO physical therapist, who is able to 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 Doe Run, MO
As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced 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 setting the stage for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Doe Run, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Doe Run, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile journey for those dealing 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 crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Doe Run, 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 accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses 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 compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.