Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Wilbur Park, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to individuals in Wilbur Park, MO suffering from severe knee arthritis. By substituting worn-down or damaged tissue with an artificial joint, TKR offers a chance to get back to the lifestyle they want to live. However, the surgery itself is just a step 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 a marathon, not a sprint. It requires persistence, patience, and guided expertise. At Axes Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to supporting you through this process, offering professional healthcare, supporting you, and getting you back to the activities you love in a safe and effective manner. 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 undergone the procedure and are in search of a physical therapist in Wilbur Park, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Wilbur Park, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace a poorly functioning or no-longer functioning 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 quality of life for patients who have not seen enough progress from other treatments like prescriptions, injections, or physical therapy alone.

The Process of TKR Surgery

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients receive a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, MRIs and X-Rays, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, featuring prehabilitation exercises to fortify the knee.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgery entails 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 possible to assist 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 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 learn exercises to improve knee function and gradually 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 Wilbur Park, MO

Any surgery, even if 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. Engaging in physical therapy before your surgery can dramatically influence your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Wilbur Park, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee helps bolstering the new joint and facilitates quicker 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

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 attempt to straighten the knee. Maintain this position for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, engage your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise improves circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.

These exercises, among others recommended by your Wilbur Park, 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

Discovering the ideal physical therapy in Wilbur Park for your post-surgical rehabilitation is crucial to securing a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s a closer look at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Wilbur Park, MO physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to assist in:

• Pain Management: Efficient pain control is essential for promoting movement and engagement with physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises contribute to 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 contributes to recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and starting 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, 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, engage your thigh muscle and lift 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 possible, 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 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 Wilbur Park, MO, the focus shifts 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 boundaries of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Strengthening exercises become more rigorous to build muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Increased emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
• Increasing Mobility: Incorporating more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.

Intermediate Recovery Exercises

Some exercises you may practice with your Wilbur Park, MO physical therapist include:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking assists in 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 aims to rebuild the ability to navigate steps safely and confidently.

Each of these exercises should be performed under the guidance of your Wilbur Park, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the exercises based on your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Wilbur Park, MO

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

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: These exercises continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
• 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 discussed with your Wilbur Park, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to preserve knee health. At Axes, we hold a strong conviction in patient education as a way to get the best possible results for our patients.

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

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but worthwhile decision for those struggling with 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, thereby leading to an enhanced quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Wilbur Park, MO is different for each person, but with the appropriate support in your corner you can resume 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 support you through each phase, providing personalized care that caters to 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 get started in your recovery today.