Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Womack, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery can be a great help to residents of Womack, MO dealing with 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 recovery process is crucial.
Recovery from 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 path, providing expert care, assisting you, and helping you back to the things you enjoy most safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create customized, evidence-backed treatment plans. If you are having your knee replaced soon or have already had the procedure done and are seeking a physical therapist in Womack, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to kickstart your rehabilitation today.
About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Womack, 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 prosthetic components. This surgery is often good for individuals dealing with 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 seen enough progress from other treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy alone.
The Process of TKR Surgery
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, patients are subjected to a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examinations, imaging tests, and conversations about medical history. This phase also involves planning for the surgery and recovery, introducing prehabilitation exercises to fortify 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 based on the condition of the knee.
- Postoperative Care: Directly after the surgery, pain management and prevention of complications are the first priority. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to aid in the recovery process. At first, exercises concentrate on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to restore range of motion. Gradually, the exercises become more challenging 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 gradually return to their daily activities. Long-term success depends significantly on the patient’s dedication to physical therapy and exercises at home.
Pre-Surgery Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Womack, MO
Any surgery, even if the best thing for you at the end of the day, still involves some degree of trauma to your tissues. Prehabilitation, or pre-surgery physical therapy, holds a critical role in preparing your body for the challenges of surgery and the recovery process. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can significantly impact your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Womack, MO can benefit you:
- Strengthens Muscles: Strengthening the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the new joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
- Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility improves recovery, enabling for easier manipulation and mobilization after the 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: Sit 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 release.
- Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and lift your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and bring it down slowly.
- Ankle Pumps: Flex your foot up and down by moving your ankle. This exercise enhances circulation and greatly reduces the possibility of blood clot formation.
These exercises, among others recommended by your Womack, MO physical therapist, are intended to strengthen your body for the surgery ahead and lay the groundwork for a more seamless, more effective recovery.
Early Post-Surgery Phase
Identifying the perfect physical therapy in Womack for your post-surgical rehabilitation can help securing 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 Womack, MO physical therapist will formulate a personalized treatment plan geared towards:
- Pain Management: Effective pain control is essential for promoting movement and participation in 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: Starting gentle exercises soon after surgery contributes to 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 improves circulation in your legs, aiding 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 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. 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 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 progress past the initial weeks of your total knee replacement physical therapy in Womack, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and returning to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase entails a more intensive physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities supported by scientific research that are intended to test your knee within the boundaries of safety and comfort.
Goals for Intermediate Recovery
- Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more rigorous to fortify muscle around the knee.
- Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on flexibility workouts to enhance the range of motion.
- Increasing Mobility: Adding more dynamic exercises to improve walking, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
Intermediate Recovery Exercises
Some exercises you might engage in with your Womack, MO physical therapist include:
- Stationary Cycling: Beginning 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 aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps safely and confidently.
Each of these exercises must be performed under the guidance of your Womack, MO physical therapist, who can adjust the exercises according to your recovery progress and pain levels.
Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Womack, MO
As you progress 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 reclaiming the lifestyle you had before your knee issues. This phase is about solidifying the gains made during the earlier stages and preparing for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids without pain.
Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises
- Squats and Lunges: These exercises further strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee support and stability.
- Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to strengthen your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.
Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be explored with your Womack, 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 get the best possible results for our patients.
Contact Axes For Your Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Womack, MO
Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding decision for those dealing with knee pain and mobility issues that are keeping them from living the life they want. From pre-surgery preparation to the later stages of recovery and ongoing maintenance, physical therapy is crucial to regaining strength, flexibility, and mobility, thereby leading to an better quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Womack, MO is different for each person, 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 come with total knee replacement recovery. Our devoted team of physical therapists is here to guide you through each phase, delivering personalized care that addresses your specific needs, desired lifestyle, and goals. We are focused on supporting you in attaining the best possible recovery outcomes, employing 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.