Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Genevieve, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of St. Genevieve, MO dealing with 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 just a step towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process cannot be overstated.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through this process, providing expert care, assisting you, and getting you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in St. Genevieve, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in St. Genevieve, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with prosthetic components. This surgery is typically good for individuals 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 daily life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations 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 substituted with artificial components constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be refinished 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 regain range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more intense to build 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 are taught exercises to improve knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. Long-term success relies heavily on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in St. Genevieve, 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, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in St. Genevieve, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding 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 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 include:

• Quad Sets: Position yourself with your legs straight in front of you, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt 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 bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex 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 St. Genevieve, 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

Finding the ideal physical therapy in St. Genevieve for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing a solid foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your St. Genevieve, MO physical therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for encouraging movement and engagement with 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: Starting 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 enhances 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, engage your thigh muscle and lift your surgical leg off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly lower. This exercise builds 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: 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 St. Genevieve, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back 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 intended to challenge your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more active exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might engage in with your St. Genevieve, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking assists in 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: Practicing stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your St. Genevieve, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in St. Genevieve, MO

As you progress beyond 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 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: Squats and lunges further build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial 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 covered with your St. Genevieve, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe 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 St. Genevieve, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile decision for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in St. Genevieve, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, delivering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, utilizing evidence-based practices and a compassionate approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to get started in your recovery today.