Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Meacham Park, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Meacham Park, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. By substituting 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 getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-surgery recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting our patients through your recovery, offering expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Meacham Park, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Meacham Park, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals 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 have not seen enough progress from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 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: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to enhance 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.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Meacham Park, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, still involves 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 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 Meacham Park, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, 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

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 try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and lift 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 improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Meacham Park for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Meacham Park, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain 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 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, 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 slowly 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 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, as strength and balance 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 Meacham Park, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and returning 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 intended to test 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: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises 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 may engage in with your Meacham Park, MO physical therapist 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 strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Meacham Park, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor how hard you push yourself and for how long based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Meacham Park, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced 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 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: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Meacham Park, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but rewarding decision for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Meacham Park, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

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 addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.