Post-Operative Exercises

Typical Total Knee Replacement Post-Operative Exercises

After total knee replacement surgery, you will need to strengthen your knee. Below are some typical physical therapy exercises you may be asked to do to rehabilitate your knee.
Please note that these exercises are for example only and any exercises you want to do should be prescribed by your physician and/or your physical therapist. Trinitas Regional Medical Center is not liable for any injury or condition you may experience by choosing to emulate these exercises. They are presented for informational purposes only.

1. Ankle Range-of-Motion

Ankle Range-of-Motion

Starting Position: Lying on your back with your legs straight.

Exercise: Bend your ankles and push your knees down firmly against the bed. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do three sessions per day.

2. Knee Extension

Knee Extension

Starting Position: Lying on your back, bend one leg and put your foot on the bed and put a cushion under the other knee.
Exercise: Exercise your straight leg by pulling your foot and toes up, tightening your thigh muscle and straightening the knee (keep knee on the cushion). Hold for approximately 5 seconds and slowly relax.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.

3. Straight Leg Raise

Straight Leg Raise

Starting Position: Lying on your back with one leg straight and the other leg bent. (You can vary the exercise by having your foot pointing either upwards, inwards or outwards.)
Exercise: Exercise your straight leg by pulling the toes up, straightening the knee and lifting the leg 20 centimeters off the bed. Hold for approximately 5 seconds, then slowly relax.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.

4. Knee Flexion — Seated

Knee Flexion--Seated

Starting Position: Sit on a chair with your feet on the floor.
Exercise: Bend your knee as much as possible. Hold for 5 seconds.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.

5. Heel Raises

Heel Raises

Starting Position: Stand up.
Exercise: Push up on your toes.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.

6. Hip Abduction

Hip Abduction

Starting Position: Stand straight, holding on to a support.
Exercise: Lift your leg sideways and bring it back, keeping your trunk straight throughout the exercise.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.

7. Hip Extension

Hip Extension

Starting Position: Stand straight, holding on to a chair.
Exercise: Bring your leg backwards, keeping your knee straight. Do not lean forward!
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do 3 sessions per day.




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