Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Weingarten, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to individuals in Weingarten, MO experiencing severe knee arthritis. By substituting 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 just a step towards full recovery and improved quality of life. The role of physical therapy in the recovery process is crucial.

Recovery from total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are committed to guiding our patients through this journey, offering professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the activities you love safely and effectively. We form a team with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are in search of a physical therapist in Weingarten, 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 Weingarten, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is generally good for people suffering from 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 found relief from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy by itself.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, 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 entails 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 based on the condition of the knee.
• Postoperative Care: Immediately after the surgery, the prevention of complications and pain management are prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and beginning gentle movements to restore range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more challenging to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: The recovery period varies but typically requires 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 dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.

Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Weingarten, 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 preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Weingarten, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, allowing 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

Depending on the specifics of your 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 try to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the bed. Hold for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Weingarten, MO physical therapist, are designed to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Weingarten for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to ensuring a strong foundation for recovery. Here’s an insightful glance at the key objectives and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Weingarten, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for encouraging movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Early mobilization and certain 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: Beginning gentle exercises shortly following surgery contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating 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, 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, engage your thigh muscle and raise your surgical leg off the bed. Keep it elevated for 5 seconds and then slowly 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. 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: 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Weingarten, 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 supported by scientific research that are designed to challenge 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 boost walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you might perform with your Weingarten, MO physical therapist could include:

• 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 building muscle and the buoyancy required for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Weingarten, MO physical therapist, who is able to tailor the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Weingarten, 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 reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about consolidating the gains made during the earlier stages and getting ready 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: Squats and lunges further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, vital 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 explored with your Weingarten, MO physical therapist, underscoring the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Weingarten, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those struggling with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From the preparatory stages before surgery to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is essential to restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Weingarten, MO is a personal journey, but with the best team in your corner you can return to the activities you love with safety and effectiveness.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that accompany total knee replacement recovery. Our dedicated team of physical therapists is here to assist you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are dedicated 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.