Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Gray Summit, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Gray Summit, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.
Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through your recovery, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We partner 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 seeking a physical therapist in Gray Summit, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Gray Summit, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for people experiencing significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, 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 receive 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, introducing 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 substituted with artificial components made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished based on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus 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 varies but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve 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 Gray Summit, MO
Any surgery, though it may be 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, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Gray Summit, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the new joint and facilitates quicker 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
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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
- Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, 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 moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Gray Summit, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Finding the ideal physical therapy in Gray Summit for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Gray Summit, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Efficient pain control is crucial for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing 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. 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently 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. Gradually slide your foot back under the chair as far as possible, 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 Gray Summit, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are designed to challenge 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 active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you could perform with your Gray Summit, MO physical therapist could include:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
- Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce 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 safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Gray Summit, MO physical therapist, who can modify how hard you push yourself and for how long according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Gray Summit, MO
As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves 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 consolidating 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 without pain.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential 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 Gray Summit, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Gray Summit, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile decision for those dealing with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Gray Summit, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to 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 guide you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a caring approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.