Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Schluersburg, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to residents of Schluersburg, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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 cannot be overstated.
Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to supporting you through your recovery, providing expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-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 Schluersburg, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Schluersburg, MO
Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is often 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 restore function, relieve pain, and improve the quality of life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.
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 strengthen the knee.
- Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 resurfaced depending on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies 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 depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Schluersburg, MO
Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, 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 demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Schluersburg, MO are:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee helps bolstering the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, 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
Depending on the specifics of your total knee replacement surgery and recovery, your prehabilitation may involve:
- Quad Sets: Sit with your legs straight in front of you, contract 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 lift your leg a few inches off the floor. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Schluersburg, MO physical therapist, are designed 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 right physical therapy in Schluersburg for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.
Post-TKR Surgery Goals
Your Schluersburg, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan to aid in:
- Pain Management: Efficient 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 advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
- Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to 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, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do 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 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Schluersburg, MO, the focus shifts towards you gaining more independence and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are designed to challenge your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you may engage in with your Schluersburg, MO physical therapist might involve:
- Stationary Cycling: Starting 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 strengthening and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
- Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Schluersburg, MO physical therapist, who is able to adjust the exercises according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Schluersburg, MO
As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 securing the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
- Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Schluersburg, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Schluersburg, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial journey for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. 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 Schluersburg, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume 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 devoted team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, providing 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 thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.