Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Weldon Spring Heights, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Weldon Spring Heights, MO dealing with severe knee arthritis. By replacing the damaged knee joint with an artificial one, TKR provides a chance to get back to the lifestyle they enjoy. 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.

Getting back to the life you want after total knee replacement surgery is essentially a marathoninstead of a sprint. It necessitates patience, persistence, and the right guidance. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to leading you through this path, providing professional healthcare, aiding you, and helping you back to the things you love in a safe and effective manner. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and any other medical professionals involved in your care to create tailored, scientifically-backed treatment plans. If you are about to undergo knee replacement surgery or have already had the procedure done and are looking for a physical therapist in Weldon Spring Heights, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Weldon Spring Heights, 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 prosthetic components. This surgery is generally good for individuals suffering from severe knee pain and mobility issues due to trauma, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions. The goal of TKR is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve the daily life for patients who have not found relief from other treatments such as 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, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, including 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. Initially, exercises focus on preventing blood clots, reducing swelling, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense 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 enhance knee function and progressively return to their normal, independent life. 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 Weldon Spring Heights, MO

Any surgery, though it may be in your best interest at the end of the day, will always result in some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, plays a pivotal role in readying your body for the demands of surgery and the recovery process. Participating in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence how your recovery goals. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Weldon Spring Heights, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee aids in supporting the artificial joint and facilitates faster recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for simpler manipulation and mobilization post-surgery.
• Educates Patients: Comprehending 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, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and attempt to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.
• Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, engage 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 flexing your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and prevents blood clot formation.

These exercises, along with other treatment modalities recommended by your Weldon Spring Heights, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a smoother, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Identifying the right physical therapy in Weldon Spring Heights for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in establishing a solid 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 Weldon Spring Heights, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan geared towards:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is vital for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and certain exercises help reduce 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 shortly following surgery helps with recovery by enhancing circulation, decreasing 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 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. Hold for 5 seconds and then gently 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. Over time, 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 Weldon Spring Heights, MO, the focus shifts towards you becoming more independent and returning 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: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts 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 engage in with your Weldon Spring Heights, MO physical therapist could include:

• Stationary Cycling: Beginning at a light pace, stationary biking helps improving knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises reduce the strain on your knee while providing resistance for strengthening and the buoyancy needed for mobility exercises.
• Stair Climbing and Descending: Working on stair climbing under supervision helps rebuild the ability to manage steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Weldon Spring Heights, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises depending on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Weldon Spring Heights, 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 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 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 test your muscles, enhancing both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Weldon Spring Heights, MO physical therapist, underscoring 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 achieve the best possible results for our patients.

Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Weldon Spring Heights, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but beneficial journey for those dealing with debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is key to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Weldon Spring Heights, 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 understand the challenges and concerns that come with 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 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 begin in your recovery today.