Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Kampville, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Kampville, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. 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 requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting our patients through your recovery, delivering expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you love in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Kampville, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Kampville, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for people experiencing 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 found relief from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense 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 improve knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. 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 Kampville, 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, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the challenges 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 Kampville, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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

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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving 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 Kampville, 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 right physical therapy in Kampville for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Kampville, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises help reduce 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 helps with recovery by improving circulation, decreasing 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. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly 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. 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: At first, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Kampville, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science 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 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 do with your Kampville, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Kampville, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Kampville, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves 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 engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Kampville, 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.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile journey for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Kampville, MO is unique for every individual, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can return to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing 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, 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.