Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in St. George, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of St. George, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, 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 improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-op recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to guiding our patients through this journey, delivering professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in St. George, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in St. George, 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 experiencing severe knee pain and mobility issues 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 seen enough progress from other treatments such as 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 constructed from metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced based on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging 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 gradually return to their daily activities. 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. George, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately the best thing for you, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in readying 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. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in St. George, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the new joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for simpler manipulation and mobilization after the 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 attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position 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. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and helps prevent blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your St. George, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the right physical therapy in St. George for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your St. George, MO physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing 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 enhances 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 lift 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 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: At first, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Over time, as strength and balance improve, you can transition 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. George, MO, the focus transitions towards you gaining more independence and getting back 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 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 build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 may perform with your St. George, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with minimal resistance, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision aims to rebuild the ability to manage steps safely and confidently.

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

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in St. George, 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 restoring the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means engaging in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Using resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your St. George, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 St. George, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile decision for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in St. George, MO is different for each person, but with the best team in your corner you can return to the activities you love safely and effectively.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we understand the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining 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 begin in your recovery today.