Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Sunset Hills, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Sunset Hills, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. 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 just a step towards full recovery and enhanced quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the post-operative recovery process is crucial.
Recovery from 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 guiding our patients through this journey, providing professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We form a team 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 Sunset Hills, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Sunset Hills, 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 typically recommended for people dealing with significant mobility problems and knee pain due to arthritis, trauma, 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 receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations 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 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: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy starts as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen 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 gradually 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 Sunset Hills, MO
Any surgery, though it may be the best thing for you at the end of the day, 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 demands of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Sunset Hills, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee helps supporting the new joint and facilitates faster 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 include:
- 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, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down 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 Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Sunset Hills for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in securing a solid 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 Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
- Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain 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 soon after surgery contributes to recovery by improving circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining 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. 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. Hold 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. Gradually slide your foot back under the chair as far as comfortable, 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. Gradually, 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 Sunset Hills, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more intensive 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: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to improve the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you might do with your Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist might involve:
- Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
- Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce 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 manage steps with safety and confidence.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Sunset Hills, MO
As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced 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 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 further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, crucial for knee support and stability.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to challenge your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Sunset Hills, MO physical therapist, emphasizing 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.
Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Sunset Hills, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a major but beneficial 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 essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Sunset Hills, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support 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 accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, offering personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in achieving the best possible recovery outcomes, employing 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.