Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Pevely, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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 patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this path, delivering professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-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 Pevely, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Pevely, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically good for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to restore function, relieve pain, and improve the daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring 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 based 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 begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, 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 varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to enhance knee function and gradually 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 Pevely, MO

Any surgery, though it may be 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 preparing your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Pevely, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the new joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, 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

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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt 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 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 Pevely, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the ideal physical therapy in Pevely for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in 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 Pevely, MO physical therapist will create 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 certain exercises help reduce 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: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, decreasing 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 regularly 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 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 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 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 Pevely, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent 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 boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance 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 could do with your Pevely, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking assists in improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Pevely, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust 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 Pevely, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and reclaiming 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 pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Pevely, MO physical therapist, emphasizing 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.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile decision for those struggling with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Pevely, MO is different for each person, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to 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.