Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Olympian Village, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Olympian Village, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards full recovery and improved 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 marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through this path, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We partner 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 in search of a physical therapist in Olympian Village, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Olympian Village, 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 generally good for individuals experiencing 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 daily life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as prescriptions, 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 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 depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management 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 beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve 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 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 Olympian Village, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Olympian Village, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for easier manipulation and mobilization post-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: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• 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 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 Olympian Village, MO physical therapist, are designed 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 right physical therapy in Olympian Village for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Olympian Village, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and engagement with 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: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing 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 enhances circulation in your legs, helping to prevent blood clots. Perform 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. Hold 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. 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. Gradually, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Olympian Village, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent 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 test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you could practice with your Olympian Village, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the skill to manage steps safely and confidently.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Olympian Village, 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 restoring 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 pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital 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 explored with your Olympian Village, 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.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Olympian Village, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile 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 key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Olympian Village, MO is a personal journey, but with the right team in your corner you can return to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing 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.