Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Sherman, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Sherman, MO experiencing debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, 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 full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process cannot be overstated.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading you through your recovery, delivering expert care, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are seeking a physical therapist in Sherman, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Sherman, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring 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: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management 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 initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to build the muscles around the knee and enhance 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 relies heavily on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

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

Any surgery, though it may be ultimately in your best interest, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. 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 profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Sherman, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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, tighten the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. 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 greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Sherman, 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

Finding the right physical therapy in Sherman for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in securing 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 Sherman, MO physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises contribute to reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting the process of restoring 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. Perform this exercise frequently 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 slowly 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. Slowly slide your foot back under the chair as far as possible, 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Sherman, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning 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 intended to test your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises 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 active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may perform with your Sherman, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, stationary biking helps improving 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 aims to rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Sherman, MO physical therapist, who can modify the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Sherman, MO

As you progress beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions 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 consolidating 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 pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

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

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Sherman, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe 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 Sherman, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but rewarding decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is essential to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Sherman, MO is different for each person, but with the best team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, providing personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, employing evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.