Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ethlyn, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Ethlyn, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.
Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through this path, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Ethlyn, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Ethlyn, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often good for individuals dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.
The Process of TKR Surgery
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to 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 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 replaced with artificial components constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance 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 normal, independent life. 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 Ethlyn, MO
Any surgery, even if the best thing for you at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Ethlyn, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, 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
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, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
- Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Ethlyn, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Discovering the right physical therapy in Ethlyn for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing 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 Ethlyn, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to assist in:
- Pain Management: Efficient pain control is crucial for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
- Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery helps with recovery by improving 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 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 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. 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 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 Ethlyn, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves 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 build muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises 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 might engage in with your Ethlyn, MO physical therapist include:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, 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 skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Ethlyn, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Ethlyn, MO
As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and setting the stage 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 build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
- 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 discussed with your Ethlyn, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.
Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Ethlyn, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile journey for those suffering from 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 key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Ethlyn, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can return 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 committed team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses 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.