Old Monroe, MO

Old Monroe, MO

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

Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Old Monroe, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Old Monroe, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the things 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 personalized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Old Monroe, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Old Monroe, 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 artificial parts. This surgery is typically good for individuals suffering from significant mobility problems and knee pain due to arthritis, trauma, 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 such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

  • Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations 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 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 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 starts as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate 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 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 dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

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

Any surgery, even if in your best interest at the end of the day, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Old Monroe, MO can benefit you:

  • Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
  • Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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

Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:

  • 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. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
  • Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
  • Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Old Monroe, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the ideal physical therapy in Old Monroe for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Old Monroe, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to help with:

  • Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
  • Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
  • Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing 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 improves circulation in your legs, helping to prevent blood clots. Do 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 lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold 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 strength and balance improve, you can transition 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 Monroe, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are designed to challenge your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

  • Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
  • Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
  • Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may do with your Old Monroe, MO physical therapist might involve:

  • Stationary Cycling: Starting 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 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 manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Old Monroe, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor how hard you push yourself and for how long according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Old Monroe, 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 consolidating 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, crucial for knee stability and support.
  • Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Old Monroe, MO physical therapist, highlighting 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.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Old Monroe, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile journey for those dealing with 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 crucial to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Old Monroe, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can resume 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 committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a compassionate 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
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • 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.
Julie Freiner
OTR/L, CHT
Farren Holman
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Matt Williams
MS, OTR/L, ATC/L, CHT
Jeff Hunter
Clinic Director, PT, Cert. MDT, MBA
Amanda Reynolds
Front Office
Ashley Brown
Front Office

Locations

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