Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Paulina Hills, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Paulina Hills, MO dealing with 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 just a step towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading our patients through your recovery, offering professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We partner 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 undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Paulina Hills, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Paulina Hills, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals suffering from 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 such as medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, 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 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 constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced 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 possible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, 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 enhance knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. 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 Paulina Hills, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Paulina Hills, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for simpler 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

Depending on the specifics of your 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: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and raise 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 flexing your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Paulina Hills, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Paulina Hills for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

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

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises aid in reducing 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 aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing 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, 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 raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and improves 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. Over time, as balance and strength 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 Paulina Hills, 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 backed by science that are designed to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

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

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might do with your Paulina Hills, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning 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 building muscle and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Paulina Hills, MO physical therapist, who can tailor the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Paulina Hills, 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 regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Paulina Hills, 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 Paulina Hills, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable 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 crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Paulina Hills, MO is a personal journey, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can return to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets 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 begin in your recovery today.