Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Parkdale, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Parkdale, 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 post-surgery recovery process cannot be overstated.
Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through your recovery, offering expert care, assisting you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We form a team 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 undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Parkdale, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Parkdale, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally recommended for people 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 have not found relief from other treatments like 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 involves 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 constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to build 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 learn exercises to improve knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. 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 Parkdale, 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 preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Parkdale, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering 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: 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 include:
- Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position 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 bring it down slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Parkdale, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen 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 Parkdale for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Parkdale, MO physical therapist will develop a customized 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 certain 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and starting 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, 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 lift your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly 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. 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 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 Parkdale, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you might do with your Parkdale, MO physical therapist might involve:
- Stationary Cycling: Starting 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to manage steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Parkdale, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify how hard you push yourself and for how long based on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Parkdale, MO
As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves 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 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 without pain.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee support and stability.
- Resistance Training: Using 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 Parkdale, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Parkdale, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a major but rewarding decision for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Parkdale, MO is different for each person, 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 understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.