Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Maryland Heights, MO dealing with 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 only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding our patients through your recovery, delivering expert care, assisting you, and helping you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any 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 had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Maryland Heights, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Maryland Heights, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals dealing with 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 quality of life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

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 involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 based 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 assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to restore 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 varies but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Maryland Heights, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for simpler 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 include:

• 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 bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing 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 Maryland Heights, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the ideal physical therapy in Maryland Heights for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

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

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises contribute to reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, decreasing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down enhances circulation in your legs, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do 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 gently 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 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: At first, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Maryland Heights, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous 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 intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased 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 Maryland Heights, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Maryland Heights, MO physical therapist, who can modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Maryland Heights, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions 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 returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• 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 explored with your Maryland Heights, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Maryland Heights, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding decision for those suffering from 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 key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Maryland Heights, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can return to 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, 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 thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.