Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Pevely, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Pevely, MO experiencing 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 full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading our patients through this process, offering professional healthcare, assisting you, and helping you back to the activities 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 customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Pevely, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Pevely, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is generally recommended for people dealing with 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves removing 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 made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished based 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 assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to build the muscles around the knee and improve 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 gradually return to their normal, independent life. 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 Pevely, MO

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately in your best interest, 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 the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Pevely, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the new joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for simpler manipulation and mobilization post-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: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten 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: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Pevely, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Pevely for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Pevely, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to recovery by improving 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, 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, tighten your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly 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 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 balance and strength 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 shifts 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 limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve 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 could perform with your Pevely, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Pevely, MO physical therapist, who can adjust how hard you push yourself and for how long according to 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 stages of 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 preparing 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: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing 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 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 get 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 major but worthwhile decision for those suffering from 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 essential to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Pevely, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can return to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging 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.