Old Jamestown, MO

Old Jamestown, MO

Contact Axes to return to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively after your TKR surgery.

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Old Jamestown, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Old Jamestown, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. 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 a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through this journey, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Old Jamestown, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Old Jamestown, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically good for individuals experiencing severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 have not found relief from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

  • Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
  • Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced 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 begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to build the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
  • Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Old Jamestown, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Old Jamestown, MO can benefit you:

  • Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in 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: 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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
  • Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower slowly.
  • Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

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

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Old Jamestown for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in securing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Old Jamestown, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

  • Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
  • Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
  • Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following 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: Pumping your ankles up and down improves circulation in your legs, aiding 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, tighten your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated 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. 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 Old Jamestown, 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 supported by scientific research that are designed 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 improve the range of motion.
  • Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might perform with your Old Jamestown, MO physical therapist might involve:

  • Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Old Jamestown, MO

As you move 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 setting the stage for a return to normal activities, whether that means returning to 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, vital for knee support and stability.
  • Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

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

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Old Jamestown, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can return to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets 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 caring approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director

Locations

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Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.