Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Osage Hills, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Osage Hills, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. 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.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through this path, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any 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 looking for a physical therapist in Osage Hills, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Osage Hills, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally 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 need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also entails 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 resurfaced based 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 assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense 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 learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Osage Hills, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately the best thing for you, 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 demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Osage Hills, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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

While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may involve:

• Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, 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 improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Osage Hills, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the right physical therapy in Osage Hills for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Osage Hills, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing swelling, and initiating the process of restoring 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 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 gently lower. This exercise builds 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 possible, 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 transition 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 Osage Hills, MO, the focus transitions 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 challenge 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: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve 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 might practice with your Osage Hills, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with light resistance, 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 required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Osage Hills, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts towards more advanced stages of recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing 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 continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Osage Hills, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Osage Hills, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Osage Hills, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing 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.