Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Sappington, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Sappington, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through your recovery, delivering professional healthcare, assisting you, and helping you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are looking for a physical therapist in Sappington, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Sappington, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to 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 recommended for individuals experiencing 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 such as prescriptions, 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, MRIs and X-Rays, and discussions about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to strengthen 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 resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen 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 learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Sappington, MO

Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical 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 your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Sappington, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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 involve:

• Quad Sets: Sit 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 relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, 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: 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 Sappington, 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 Sappington for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a solid 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 Sappington, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises aid in 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: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing swelling, and starting 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, helping 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. 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. Hold 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: Initially, 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 Sappington, 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 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: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased 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 may engage in with your Sappington, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in improving 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 aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Sappington, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Sappington, MO

As you advance past 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 restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and setting the stage for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging 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 support and stability.
• 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 discussed with your Sappington, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain 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 Sappington, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Sappington, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can resume 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 guide you through each phase, offering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a caring approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.