Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Foristell, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Foristell, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. 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 marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting you through your recovery, offering expert care, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any 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 had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Foristell, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Foristell, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is generally good for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

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, featuring prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 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: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense 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 learn exercises to enhance knee function and gradually 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 Foristell, 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 readying your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Foristell, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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

Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:

• Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, contract 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 lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold 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, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Foristell, 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 right physical therapy in Foristell for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring a robust 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 Foristell, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises contribute to 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 soon after surgery contributes to recovery by improving 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. Perform this exercise regularly 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. Keep it elevated 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. Slowly slide your foot back under the chair as far as comfortable, 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: 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Foristell, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are designed to test your knee within the limits 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: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

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

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing 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 Foristell, MO physical therapist, who can 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 Foristell, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced stages of 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 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: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Foristell, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding decision for those suffering from 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 regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Foristell, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to 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 dedicated team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to 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 caring approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.