TKA – Total Knee Arthroplasty (or Knee Replacement)
Today we (Dr. Matt Toone and Dr. Jordan Brady) are going to discuss a surgical procedure that we literally treat every day. This is something we are extremely familiar with and know exactly how to help you if you’ve recently had to do a TKA or knee replacement surgery.
First off – what is a TKA? This stands for Total Knee Arthroplasty, and essentially means a new knee (knee replacement). This surgery happens typically in older patients who’ve developed arthritis to the point where the cartilage has degenerated and they are bone-on-bone and have significant pain during basic daily functions like walking, stairs, kneeling, etc. Unfortunately this is something almost all of us will eventually face as the joints in our body wear down.
The goal with Physical Therapy prior to this surgery is to try and help reduce pain, restore functional strength and range of motion, and help you avoid a surgery. Depending on the severity, physical therapists can often help people avoid this surgery with the right plan of care prescription. However, if your arthritis is to the point where you do need a surgery, then physical therapy will be required after for your rehab.
While we can’t take away your arthritis, here are a few things we can do to help you prior to your TKA:
- We restore as much range of motion and strength as we can, which will help improve recovery after a surgery (if it is needed)
- We create customized exercise plans for you based on your needs and situation
- We use the latest technology and techniques to restore your functional movements like walking, stairs, sit-stands, balance, etc
- We perform manual hands on therapy to help improve tissue mobility and improved mobility.
And if you have to get a knee replacement, here is a summary of what our Doctors of Physical Therapy at Aspen Ridge can do to help you:
- We have a state-of-the-art assisted range of motion machine that restores a patient’s flexion and extension range of motion 3x faster than other manual stretching techniques
- We use compression therapy, vibration therapy, infrared light therapy, soft tissue mobilization, IASTM, and other techniques to stimulate blood flow, reduce swelling, and help speed up your recovery time
- We create a customized exercise plan for your needs/goals
- We help educate, demonstrate, and help you with gait (walking) mechanics, balance, and functional movements to get you back to your life and hobbies
- We tailor the plan of care to your specific goals
If you have recently had a TKA or are considering getting your knee replaced, let us help you with your rehab process. Many patients have commented that our GenuBender (assisted range of motion machine) was the main reason why they felt their recovery after their TKA was so quick, so painless, and so effective. We’ve been treating patients for 30 years, and this is one of those conditions we know we can help you with. We are located in Layton right off of I-15 in the Tanner Clinic across from Davis Hospital. We see patients from Ogden down to Bountiful, and would love to help you after your surgery. Call us today with any questions or to set up an appointment. You can reach us at 801-773-1350
