Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Glendale, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Glendale, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. By substituting 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 enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-op recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this process, providing professional healthcare, aiding 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 having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Glendale, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Glendale, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally recommended for people suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including 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 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: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, 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 improve flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs 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 depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Any surgery, though it may be in your best interest at the end of the day, 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 the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Glendale, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the surgery.
• Educates Patients: Comprehending 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: Move 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 Glendale, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Glendale for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in 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 Glendale, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with 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 prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, helping 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and increases 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. 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: Initially, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Glendale, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are designed to challenge your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might do with your Glendale, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Glendale, 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 Glendale, MO

As you progress 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 reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying 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, vital for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Glendale, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Glendale, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile decision 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 advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Glendale, MO is different for each person, 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 acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets 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 thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.