Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hoene Spring, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Hoene Spring, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and improved quality of life. 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 demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading our patients through this journey, providing expert care, assisting you, and helping 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 customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Hoene Spring, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Hoene Spring, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for people suffering from 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 receive a comprehensive evaluation, including 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 fortify the knee.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 refinished 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. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 are taught exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Hoene Spring, MO
Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Hoene Spring, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling 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
While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique 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: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the floor. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Move 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 strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Discovering the right physical therapy in Hoene Spring for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to assist in:
- Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises contribute to 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by improving 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 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, tighten your thigh muscle and lift 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. Slowly 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: Initially, 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 transitions towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research 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 rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve 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 Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist could 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist, who can adjust how hard you push yourself and for how long depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Hoene Spring, 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 reclaiming 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 engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: These exercises further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Hoene Spring, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe 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 significant but beneficial 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, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Hoene Spring, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed 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 committed to supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging 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.