Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Dutzow, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Dutzow, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By replacing 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 getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting our patients through your recovery, providing professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you love 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 had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Dutzow, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Dutzow, 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 typically good for individuals suffering from significant mobility problems and knee pain 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 need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including 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 depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore 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 progressively 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 Dutzow, MO

Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, 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. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Dutzow, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the surgery.
• Educates Patients: Understanding 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. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Dutzow, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the right physical therapy in Dutzow for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring 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 Dutzow, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue 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 regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, helping 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold 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. Slowly slide your foot back under the chair as far as possible, 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as balance and strength 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 Dutzow, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning 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: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater 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 may practice with your Dutzow, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Dutzow, 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 Dutzow, MO

As you move 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 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 stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

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

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Dutzow, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can resume the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to 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.