Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Hazelwood, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. 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 a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting our patients through this process, delivering expert care, supporting you, and getting you back to the things you love 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 had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Hazelwood, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Hazelwood, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often good for people 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 have not seen enough progress from other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves removing 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 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 assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs 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 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 Hazelwood, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately in your best interest, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Hazelwood, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the 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 involve:

• 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. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Hazelwood, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the right physical therapy in Hazelwood for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Hazelwood, MO physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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. Perform 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 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 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. 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 Hazelwood, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are designed to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises 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 could practice with your Hazelwood, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Hazelwood, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Hazelwood, 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 consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging in 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 stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

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

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hazelwood, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial journey 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, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Hazelwood, MO is unique for every individual, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume the activities you love safely and effectively.

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 guide you through each phase, providing 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 thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.