Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Parkway, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Parkway, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides 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.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding our patients through your recovery, offering expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Parkway, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Parkway, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is generally good for people 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 quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves excising 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, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible 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 intense to strengthen 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 relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Parkway, 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 preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Parkway, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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 include:

• Quad Sets: Position yourself 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 release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the floor. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Parkway, 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

Discovering the ideal physical therapy in Parkway for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a solid 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 Parkway, MO physical therapist will formulate a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises contribute to 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 soon after surgery aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Moving 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 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 possible, bending the knee. Hold 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 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 Parkway, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more rigorous 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: Exercises aimed at strengthening 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 might do with your Parkway, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Parkway, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the exercises according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Parkway, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced stages of recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing 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, essential for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Parkway, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Parkway, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but rewarding journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Parkway, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses 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 thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.