Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Washington, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Washington, MO dealing with debilitating knee conditions. By substituting the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, 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 recovery process is crucial.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathon, not a sprint. It demands patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this process, offering professional healthcare, supporting you, and helping you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all 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 had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Washington, MO, contact Axes online or reach out to the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Washington, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is often recommended for people suffering from 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 like medications, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, comprising 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 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 made of metal and plastic. The back of the patella (kneecap) may also be resurfaced 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 medically feasible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and enhance 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 improve knee function and progressively return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s commitment to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Washington, MO

Any surgery, even if the best thing for you at the end of the day, 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. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact how your recovery goals. The goals of pre-surgery physical therapy in Washington, MO are:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing for easier 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, engage your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down by flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Washington, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the ideal physical therapy in Washington for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a solid 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 Washington, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for encouraging movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and specific exercises help reduce the risk of blood clots, a common concern 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 enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting 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, aiding to prevent blood clots. Do this exercise regularly throughout the day.
• Leg Lifts: Lying flat with your unaffected leg bent and your surgical leg straight, tighten your thigh muscle and lift 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. Gradually 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 balance and strength improve, you can transition 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 Washington, 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 boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises 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 could perform with your Washington, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting with minimal resistance, stationary biking assists in improving 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: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the skill to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Washington, MO physical therapist, who can adjust how hard you push yourself and for how long based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Washington, 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 securing the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready 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 build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital 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 discussed with your Washington, MO physical therapist, highlighting the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to sustain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction 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 Washington, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a major but worthwhile journey for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, which leads to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Washington, MO is a personal journey, 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 understand the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, offering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in realizing the best possible recovery outcomes, leveraging evidence-based practices and a thoughtful approach to care. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you to begin in your recovery today.