Total Knee Replacement Physical Therapy in Woodson Terrace, MO. Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery offers significant benefits to people in Woodson Terrace, MO experiencing 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 post-op 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 committed to leading our patients through your recovery, offering expert care, aiding you, and getting you back to the things you love safely and effectively. We collaborate with you, your surgeon, and all other medical professionals involved in your care to create personalized, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO, contact Axes online or call the location nearest you to begin your recovery journey today.

About Total Knee Replacement Surgery in Woodson Terrace, MO

Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery, also called knee arthroplasty, involves a surgical process performed to replace the worn-out surfaces of the knee joint with artificial parts. This surgery is generally recommended for people dealing with 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 daily life for patients who need a solution more aggressive than 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, 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 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 substituted 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 prioritized. Physical therapy begins as early as possible to assist in the recovery process. At first, exercises focus on reducing swelling, preventing blood clots, and initiating gentle movements to regain range of motion. Progressively, the exercises become more intense 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 learn exercises to enhance 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 Woodson Terrace, MO

Any surgery, though it may be 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 preparing your body for the demands of surgery and safely and completely recovering. Undergoing physical therapy before your surgery can profoundly affect your recovery speed and success. Here’s how pre-surgery physical therapy in Woodson Terrace, MO can benefit you:

• Strengthens Muscles: Fortifying the muscles around the knee aids in bolstering the artificial joint and facilitates quicker recovery.
• Improves Flexibility: Increased flexibility aids in the recovery process, enabling for simpler 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

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, contract the thigh muscles of your surgery leg, and try to straighten the knee. Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Straight Leg Raises: While lying flat, tighten your thigh muscles and raise your leg a few inches off the bed. Keep it elevated for a few seconds and lower slowly.
• Ankle Pumps: Move 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 Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist, are intended to fortify your body for the surgery ahead and set the foundation for a more seamless, more effective recovery.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

Discovering the perfect physical therapy in Woodson Terrace for your post-surgical rehabilitation plays a vital role in ensuring a robust foundation for recovery. Here’s an in-depth examination at the main goals and exercises in the early post-surgery phase.

Post-TKR Surgery Goals

Your Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan to help with:

• Pain Management: Effective pain control is vital for promoting movement and participation in physical therapy.
• Prevention of Blood Clots: Prompt movement and specific exercises aid in reducing the risk of blood clots, a common concern after total knee replacement. You may also be advised to use compression stockings or anticoagulant medications.
• Early Mobilization: Beginning gentle exercises soon after surgery aids in recovery by enhancing circulation, reducing swelling, and initiating the process of regaining mobility.

Key Exercises and Activities After TKR Surgery

• Ankle Pumps: Moving your ankles up and down enhances circulation in your legs, aiding to prevent blood clots. Perform 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 lift 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 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. Gradually, 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 Woodson Terrace, MO, the focus transitions towards you becoming more independent and getting back to the things you enjoy most. The intermediate recovery phase involves a more rigorous physical therapy regimen, with treatment modalities backed by science that are intended to challenge your knee within the limits of safety and comfort.

Goals for Intermediate Recovery

• Improving Strength: Exercises aimed at strengthening become more intense to fortify muscle around the knee.
• Enhancing Flexibility: Greater emphasis on stretching exercises 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 practice with your Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist might involve:

• Stationary Cycling: Starting at a light pace, stationary biking helps enhancing knee flexibility and strength.
• Water Therapy: Water exercises lessen 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 aims to rebuild the skill to navigate steps with safety and confidence.

Each of these exercises ought to be performed under the guidance of your Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist, who is able to modify the intensity and volume according to your recovery progress and pain levels.

Advanced Recovery and Maintenance After TKR Surgery in Woodson Terrace, MO

As you move beyond your intermediate recovery, the focus of total knee replacement physical therapy transitions towards more advanced stages of 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 getting ready for a return to normal activities, whether that means participating in sports and recreational hobbies or playing with your grandkids pain-free.

Advanced Strengthening and Balance Exercises

• Squats and Lunges: Squats and lunges continue to build the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, essential for knee stability and support.
• Resistance Training: Utilizing resistance bands or weights to test your muscles, improving both strength and endurance.

Long-term health and wellness strategies will also be discussed with your Woodson Terrace, MO physical therapist, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise and protective measures to maintain knee health. At Axes, we are firm believers 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 Woodson Terrace, MO

Total knee replacement surgery is a considerable but rewarding journey for those suffering from debilitating knee pain and mobility issues. From pre-surgery preparation to advanced recovery and maintenance, physical therapy is key to rebuilding strength, flexibility, and mobility, ultimately leading to an improved quality of life. The journey through total knee replacement physical therapy in Woodson Terrace, MO is a personal journey, but with the right team in your corner you can resume the activities you love in a safe and effective manner.

At Axes Physical Therapy, we recognize the challenges and concerns that come with total knee replacement recovery. Our committed team of physical therapists is here to support you through each phase, delivering personalized care that meets 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.