Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO | TKR Recovery

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Farmington, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. 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 full recovery and improved 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 demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding our patients through this journey, 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 personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Farmington, 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 Farmington, 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 people suffering from 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 need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like prescriptions, 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 entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves removing 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 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 begins as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to build 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 are taught 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.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO | TKR Recovery | Physical Therapy Near Farmington

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO

Any surgery, though it may be in your best interest at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Farmington, MO are:

Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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

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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
Ankle Pumps: Move 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 Farmington, 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 ideal physical therapy in Farmington for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help securing a strong 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 Farmington, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to assist in:

Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in 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 enhancing circulation, decreasing 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 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 gently lower. This exercise builds 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 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. 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Farmington, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent 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 challenge your knee within the boundaries 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may do with your Farmington, MO physical therapist could include:

Stationary Cycling: Beginning 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 required for mobility exercises.
Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Farmington, MO physical therapist, who can 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 Farmington, 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 solidifying 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 pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

Squats and Lunges: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
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 covered with your Farmington, 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 secure the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Farmington, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial journey for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Farmington, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, employing 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.