Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Grantwood Village, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Grantwood Village, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. 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 improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-surgery recovery process is crucial.
Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through your recovery, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate 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 undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Grantwood Village, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Grantwood Village, 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 recommended for individuals suffering from significant mobility problems and knee pain 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 prescriptions, 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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 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, 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 reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, 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 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 Grantwood Village, MO
Any surgery, even if the best thing for you 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 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 Grantwood Village, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for easier 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 involve:
- Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract 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. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Grantwood Village, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Grantwood Village for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Grantwood Village, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed 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 regaining mobility.
Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery
- Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down enhances 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 lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise strengthens 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. 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 balance and strength 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 Grantwood Village, 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 rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you might perform with your Grantwood Village, MO physical therapist include:
- Stationary Cycling: Starting 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 needed for mobility exercises.
- Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Grantwood Village, MO physical therapist, who can modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Grantwood Village, 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 regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating 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: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital 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 discussed with your Grantwood Village, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe 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 Grantwood Village, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Grantwood Village, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can resume 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 dedicated team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to 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.