Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hillsboro, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Hillsboro, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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-op 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 requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading you through your recovery, delivering expert care, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Hillsboro, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Hillsboro, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called 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 good for individuals dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 have not seen enough progress from other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 substituted with artificial components constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished 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 starts as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen 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 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 Hillsboro, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in preparing your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Hillsboro, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for easier 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 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 relax.
• 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: Move 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 Hillsboro, 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

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Hillsboro for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing 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 Hillsboro, MO physical therapist will develop 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 aid in 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 soon after surgery aids in recovery by enhancing 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 enhances 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated 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. Gradually slide your foot back under the chair as far as comfortable, 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Hillsboro, MO, the focus transitions 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 limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased 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 may engage in with your Hillsboro, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking assists in improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Hillsboro, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Hillsboro, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing 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 without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Hillsboro, MO physical therapist, underscoring 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 get the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hillsboro, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Hillsboro, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses 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 get started in your recovery today.