Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Fenton, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Fenton, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, 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 enhanced quality of life. 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 is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading our patients through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you love in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Fenton, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Fenton, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often recommended for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 found relief from other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.
The Process of TKR Surgery
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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 refinished depending on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to improve knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Fenton, MO
Any surgery, even if 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 the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Fenton, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for easier 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
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 attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
- Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and raise 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 improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Fenton, 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
Identifying the ideal physical therapy in Fenton for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Fenton, MO physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises aid in 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 helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring mobility.
Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery
- Ankle Pumps: Moving 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, engage 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 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 possible, 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 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 Fenton, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research 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 fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 could do with your Fenton, MO physical therapist include:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking assists in improving knee flexibility and strength.
- Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen 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 aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Fenton, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Fenton, MO
As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready 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: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
- Resistance Training: Using 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 Fenton, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.
Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Fenton, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. 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 better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Fenton, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love safely and effectively.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, offering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging 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.