Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Mechanicsville, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Mechanicsville, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides 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 recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, assisting you, and helping 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 having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Mechanicsville, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Mechanicsville, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals 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 quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, 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 made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced 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 starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to build 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 normal, independent life. 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 Mechanicsville, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Mechanicsville, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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

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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage 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 improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Mechanicsville, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the right physical therapy in Mechanicsville for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Mechanicsville, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises aid in 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 shortly following surgery helps with recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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. 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 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. Gradually 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 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 Mechanicsville, 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 designed to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may practice with your Mechanicsville, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen 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 aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Mechanicsville, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Mechanicsville, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Mechanicsville, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Mechanicsville, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

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