Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO | TKR Recovery

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Kimmswick, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing 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 full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-op recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through this journey, providing professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most 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 about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Kimmswick, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Kimmswick, 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 prosthetic components. This surgery is typically good for people suffering from significant mobility problems and knee pain due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions 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 excising 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 refinished based on the condition of the knee.
Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve 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 progressively return to their daily activities. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO | TKR Recovery | Physical Therapy Near Kimmswick

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Kimmswick, MO

Any surgery, even if the best thing for you at the end of the day, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the demands 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 Kimmswick, MO can benefit you:

Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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, tighten 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, engage 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 greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Kimmswick, 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

Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Kimmswick for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in securing a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Kimmswick, MO physical therapist will develop a customized treatment plan to assist in:

Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in 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: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, helping to prevent blood clots. Perform this exercise regularly throughout the day.
Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, engage 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 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 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 balance and strength improve, you can move 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 Kimmswick, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent 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 designed to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance 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 might do with your Kimmswick, MO physical therapist include:

Stationary Cycling: Starting with light resistance, stationary biking helps enhancing 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Kimmswick, MO

As you advance past 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 restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing 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 further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee stability and support.
Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Kimmswick, MO physical therapist, underscoring 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 Kimmswick, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile decision 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 regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Kimmswick, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with 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 committed to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing 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.