Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Portage Des Sioux, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Portage Des Sioux, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. 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 only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process cannot be overstated.
Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting our patients through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, aiding 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 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Portage Des Sioux, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is generally good for people suffering from 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 have not found relief from 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, imaging tests, and discussions 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 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: 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. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to strengthen 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 are taught exercises to enhance knee function and gradually return to their normal, independent life. 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO
Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the demands 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the new joint and facilitates faster recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling 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
While the specifics of each program will depend on your unique total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may include:
- Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try 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 bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower 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 Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Portage Des Sioux for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to help with:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific 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 shortly following surgery helps with recovery by improving 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, helping to prevent blood clots. Do this exercise frequently throughout the day.
- Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, tighten your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower. This exercise strengthens your quadriceps and improves 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Portage Des Sioux, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research 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 intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises 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 might engage in with your Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapist might involve:
- Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Portage Des Sioux, MO
As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee stability and support.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Portage Des Sioux, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Portage Des Sioux, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding journey for those suffering from 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, which leads to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Portage Des Sioux, MO is unique for every individual, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.
At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize 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, 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.