Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Shrewsbury, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Shrewsbury, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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 essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding you through your recovery, offering professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Shrewsbury, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Shrewsbury, 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 prosthetic components. This surgery is typically recommended for people suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues due to trauma, arthritis, 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 seen enough progress from other treatments such as medications, 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, 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 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 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 begins as early as medically feasible to assist in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning gentle movements to regain 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 varies but generally involves at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to enhance knee function and progressively 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 Shrewsbury, 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, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Shrewsbury, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, allowing for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the surgery.
• Educates Patients: Understanding 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: 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 relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

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

Finding the right physical therapy in Shrewsbury for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Shrewsbury, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain exercises aid in 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 shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by improving 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, 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. Keep it elevated 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. 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. 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 move forward past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Shrewsbury, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science 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 rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might practice with your Shrewsbury, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning 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 building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Shrewsbury, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Shrewsbury, MO

As you move 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 restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing 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 build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Using 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 Shrewsbury, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain 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 Shrewsbury, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but beneficial decision for those suffering from 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, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Shrewsbury, 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 understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that addresses 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 caring approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.