Knee Replacement Treatment in Kansas City
Knee Replacement physical therapy treatment in Kansas City.
The outcomes of knee replacements can vary depending upon your surgeon and the type of replacement you received. These can include total or partial replacements, and during these procedures they can replace, resurface, or leave untouched the patella (knee cap). Many individuals are not fully aware of the amount of time it takes to fully recover after a knee replacement procedure, regardless of the type of procedure you undergo. Even though you may have a “new” knee or parts of your knee joint, in order to restore full function and use of your leg, physical therapy after your surgery (and often, BEFORE surgery) is a vital component of a successful return to the hobbies and activities you love and need to get back to doing. Physical therapy for knee replacement surgery will help ensure the most positive and successful outcome after your procedure.
Knee Replacement
Symptoms
Symptoms after a Knee Replacement – What to expect after surgery
Some of the common symptoms after knee replacement surgery are:
- Decreased range of motion (typically due to swelling)
- Warmness and swelling in the tissue around the knee
- Soreness and achiness around the joint and in the muscles above and below the knee
- Difficulty with bearing weight through the surgical leg, including walking, sitting and standing, and taking steps/stairs (this improves with time and therapy)
Treatments for Knee Replacement
Thorough and complete therapy treatment for a knee replacement can take up to 4 to 6 months and will be broken into stages. This starts with the acute stage (immediately post-surgery into the initial 2 to 4 weeks after surgery), to the final stages of rehab (3 to 6 months after surgery), where the emphasis will be gradually more on getting you back to increasingly demanding physical activities and hobbies. Physical therapy for your knee replacement will include soft tissue and joint mobilizations and stretching to restore full range of motion; strengthening and balance exercises that target the knee joint itself and the muscles above and below the knee; and activity/hobby-specific exercises and drills to maximize functional use of the knee.
Our Treatment Process
Our F.I.T. Physical Therapists understand very well how challenging the recovery process can be after a knee replacement surgery. We are ready to meet you right where you’re at post-surgery and work in collaboration with your surgeon in order to maximize the outcomes of your knee replacement treatment in Kansas City. Our approach includes hands-on manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilizations, stretching, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques that will help minimize your pain and make recovering your motion as easy as possible.
We will also focus on restoring your strength and endurance in each phase of therapy, which will include targeting the muscles in the thigh, calf, and hip. Our physical therapists know that you will need to optimize your walking and balance in your surgical leg. We utilize research-backed interventions and treatment approaches, including Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), in order to maximize the stability in your leg. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and strong after surgery and get back to what you love doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is total knee replacement recovery?
Recovery time after a knee replacement is determined by numerous factors, therefore there is not a one size fits all recovery period. Such factors as the surgery, type of replacement, post-surgical care and the individual's medical history and willingness to be active in their post-surgical recovery plan will all play a role in determining how long a total knee replacement recovery may last.
Tell us about your pain.
Take a couple of minutes to tell us about your symptoms and pain areas. Prefer to chat over the phone? Call us for a free phone consultation.
Visit your local F.I.T. Physical Therapist
Meet the team at any of our 10 locations: Lee’s Summit, Leawood, Paola, Crossroads, Blue Valley, Olathe, Kansas City, Liberty, Overland Park & Shawnee.
