Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Potosi, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to people in Potosi, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. 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 cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this process, providing expert care, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Potosi, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Potosi, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals dealing with 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 quality of life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, 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 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 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 prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating 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 differs but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. 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 Potosi, MO

Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Potosi, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling 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 include:

• 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. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• 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 improves circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Potosi, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Potosi for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Potosi, MO physical therapist will create 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 contribute to 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: Starting gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Pumping your ankles up and down enhances circulation in your legs, helping to prevent blood clots. Perform 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 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. 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 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Potosi, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent 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 challenge 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you could do with your Potosi, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with light resistance, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Potosi, 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 Potosi, 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 without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Potosi, MO physical therapist, highlighting 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 secure the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Potosi, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile journey for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Potosi, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can get back to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

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