Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in South County, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in South County, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-op recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is a marathon, not a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to leading you through this journey, offering professional healthcare, aiding you, and getting you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, 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 South County, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in South County, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically good for people experiencing severe knee pain and mobility issues due to arthritis, trauma, 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 found relief from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing 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 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. Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and beginning 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 are taught exercises to enhance knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. 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 South County, MO

Any surgery, even if in your best interest at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in South County, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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 attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• 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: Flex your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your South County, MO physical therapist, are intended 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 perfect physical therapy in South County for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring 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 South County, MO physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is crucial 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 aids in recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating 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. Do 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. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise builds your quadriceps and increases 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in South County, MO, the focus shifts 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 intended to challenge your knee within the boundaries 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: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to improve the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Adding more active exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you could engage in with your South County, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, 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: 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 South County, MO physical therapist, who can modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in South County, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy moves towards more advanced recovery, long-term maintenance of your knee health, and regaining the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about securing the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee stability and support.
• 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 explored with your South County, 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 secure the best possible results for our patients.

Call Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in South County, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding decision for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in South County, MO is unique for every individual, but with the best team in your corner you can return to 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 committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, offering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in realizing 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 get started in your recovery today.