Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Florissant, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Florissant, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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 cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through this process, providing professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Florissant, 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 Florissant, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often recommended for people suffering from 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 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 discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails removing 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: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging 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 relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Florissant, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing 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

While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique 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 try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Florissant, 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

Discovering the right physical therapy in Florissant for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing 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 Florissant, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization 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: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, decreasing 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, helping to prevent blood clots. Perform 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 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. Gradually, 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Florissant, 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 intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

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

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking helps enhancing 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Florissant, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust 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 Florissant, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using 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 Florissant, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Florissant, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial decision for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Florissant, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering 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, 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.