Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Truesdale, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Truesdale, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By replacing worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is only part of the journey towards getting back to your best you. The role of physical therapy in the post-op recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through your recovery, providing professional healthcare, assisting you, and getting you back to the activities you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Truesdale, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Truesdale, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is typically recommended for individuals experiencing 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 quality of life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments such as prescriptions, 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 discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery involves excising 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 depending on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins 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 regain 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 typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients are taught exercises to improve knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. 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 Truesdale, MO

Any surgery, though it may be in your best interest at the end of the day, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Truesdale, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee helps supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for easier 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 try to straighten the knee. Hold 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: Flex your foot up and down by moving 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 Truesdale, MO physical therapist, are designed to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the ideal physical therapy in Truesdale for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the core aims and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Truesdale, MO physical therapist will formulate a customized treatment plan to aid in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing 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 shortly following surgery aids in recovery by improving circulation, decreasing 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. 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 gently lower. This exercise strengthens 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 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: Initially, you’ll likely need the assistance of a walker or crutches. Gradually, as balance and strength 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 Truesdale, 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 supported by scientific research that are designed to challenge 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: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance 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 practice with your Truesdale, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning with light resistance, 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 aims to rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Truesdale, MO physical therapist, who can adjust the intensity and volume depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Truesdale, MO

As you progress 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 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: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital for knee support and stability.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be covered with your Truesdale, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we strongly believe in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Get in Touch With Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Truesdale, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a significant but worthwhile journey for those suffering from 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 rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Truesdale, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can return to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize 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, delivering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are committed to supporting you in attaining 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.