Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hematite, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Hematite, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, 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 recovery process cannot be overstated.

Recovery from 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 guiding our patients through this process, offering professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Hematite, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Hematite, 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 recommended for individuals dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including 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 resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught 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 Hematite, MO

Any surgery, even if in your best interest at the end of the day, will always result in 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. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Hematite, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, 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 attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, 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 Hematite, 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

Finding the right physical therapy in Hematite for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Hematite, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging 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 advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and starting 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, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do this exercise regularly 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 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. Over time, as strength and balance improve, you can transition to using a cane, and eventually return to walking on your own.

Intermediate TKR Recovery Phase

As you move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Hematite, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back 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 intended 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 do with your Hematite, MO physical therapist could include:

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

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Hematite, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Hematite, MO

As you advance past 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 solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Hematite, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Hematite, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding decision for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Hematite, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can return to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.