Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in House Springs, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of House Springs, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through your recovery, providing professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, scientifically-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 House Springs, 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 House Springs, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically good for individuals dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to arthritis, trauma, 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 such as prescriptions, 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring 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 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 medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, 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 differs but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in House Springs, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in House Springs, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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: Position yourself 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 lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your House Springs, 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

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in House Springs for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in securing a strong 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 House Springs, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and engagement with 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 advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with 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. 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. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then gently 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. 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in House Springs, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and getting back 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: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may engage in with your House Springs, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen 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 ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your House Springs, MO physical therapist, who can modify 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 House Springs, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves 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 consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and setting the stage 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, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your House Springs, MO physical therapist, highlighting 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 achieve the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding 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 essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in House Springs, MO is different for each person, but with the best 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 devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, employing 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.