Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Innsbrook, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Innsbrook, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. 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 is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting our patients through this process, providing expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Innsbrook, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Innsbrook, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally recommended for people 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 daily life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves 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 replaced 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 prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating 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 typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to improve knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. 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 Innsbrook, MO

Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Innsbrook, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around 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

While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique 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. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• 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: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Innsbrook, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Innsbrook for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help securing 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 Innsbrook, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises aid in 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: Beginning gentle exercises soon after 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: 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, tighten your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and increases 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 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. 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 Innsbrook, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back 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 intended to test 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 flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might practice with your Innsbrook, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Innsbrook, MO physical therapist, who can adjust the exercises according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Innsbrook, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 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 without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further 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 explored with your Innsbrook, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Innsbrook, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but beneficial decision for those struggling 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 rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Innsbrook, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to guide 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.