Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Peerless Park, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Peerless Park, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.
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 professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Peerless Park, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Peerless Park, 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 recommended for people dealing with severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, 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 like medications, 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, 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 refinished 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 possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to build the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period differs but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to enhance 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 Peerless Park, MO
Any surgery, even if in your best interest at the end of the day, 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 the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Peerless Park, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the surgery.
- Educates Patients: Understanding 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 lift your leg a few inches off the bed. 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 greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Peerless Park, 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
Identifying the ideal physical therapy in Peerless Park for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help securing 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 Peerless Park, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan to help with:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern 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: Moving your ankles up and down enhances circulation in your legs, aiding to prevent blood clots. Perform 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. 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. 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Peerless Park, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive 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: Strengthening exercises become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater 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 may do with your Peerless Park, MO physical therapist might involve:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
- Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
- Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Peerless Park, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Peerless Park, MO
As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions 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 securing the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready 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 build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Peerless Park, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to secure the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Peerless Park, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile 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 rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Peerless Park, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.
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 assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in realizing 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 get started in your recovery today.