Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Manchester, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Manchester, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. 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.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this path, providing expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Manchester, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Manchester, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, 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 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 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 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, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve 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 enhance knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Manchester, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for easier 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

Depending on the specifics of your 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. 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. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the right physical therapy in Manchester for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Manchester, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial 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 prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery helps with 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, aiding 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold 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. Slowly 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Manchester, MO, the focus shifts 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 backed by science 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 flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you could practice with your Manchester, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking assists in improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Manchester, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Manchester, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced 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 setting the stage for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Manchester, MO physical therapist, underscoring 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 get the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Manchester, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but beneficial journey for those dealing with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Manchester, MO is a personal journey, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing 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.