Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hoene Spring, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Hoene Spring, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through this path, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and helping you back to the things 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 tailored, evidence-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 Hoene Spring, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Hoene Spring, 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 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and enhance 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 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 Hoene Spring, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Hoene Spring, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for easier 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 attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
• 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: Flex your foot up and down by flexing 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 Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist, are intended 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 Hoene Spring for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a robust 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 Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises contribute to reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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. Do this exercise frequently 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. Keep it elevated 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 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as strength and balance 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 Hoene Spring, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning 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 boundaries 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 stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you could do with your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist, who can modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Hoene Spring, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced stages of recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying 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 continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile journey for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing 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 Hoene Spring, MO is a personal journey, 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 dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in attaining 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.