Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Union, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Union, MO suffering from debilitating knee conditions. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to regain lost mobility and significantly reduce pain. 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-surgery recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery can be considered a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding you through your recovery, providing expert care, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you love in a safe and effective manner. We partner with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, scientifically-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 Union, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to get started with your recovery today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Union, 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 generally 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, comprising physical examinations, imaging tests, and discussions about medical history. This phase also entails planning for the surgery and recovery, including prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 substituted with artificial components made of 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, pain management and prevention of complications are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. Initially, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but typically requires at least several weeks of physical therapy for total knee arthroplasty. Patients learn exercises to improve knee function and progressively 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 Union, MO

Any surgery, even if ultimately in your best interest, an “injury” to your tissue that needs to heal. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, assumes a vital role in readying your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Union, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and can lead to a faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling 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, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, tighten 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: Move 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 Union, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Finding the perfect physical therapy in Union for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a solid 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 Union, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a frequent issue after total knee replacement. You may also be prescribed 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: Moving your ankles up and down enhances 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. 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: 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 Union, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning 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 intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises to enhance 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 could practice with your Union, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen the strain on your knee while providing resistance for building muscle 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 Union, 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 Union, MO

As you advance past your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy shifts 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 returning to sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises 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 explored with your Union, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Union, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Union, MO is unique for every individual, but with the right team in your corner you can get back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we acknowledge the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, delivering personalized care that meets your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in achieving 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 begin in your recovery today.