Pre-Operative Exercises
Typical Total Knee Pre-Operative Exercises
(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
Starting Position: Lying on your back with your legs straight.
Exercise: Bend your ankles and push your needs down firmly against the bed. Hold
for five seconds, then relax.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do three sessions per day.
2. 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
five seconds, then slowly relax.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do three sessions per day.
3. Knee Flexion
Starting Position: Stand. Hold onto a support and bring one leg slightly backwards.
Exercise: Bend your knee and lift your foot off the floor.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do three sessions per day.
4. 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 three sessions per day.
5. 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 three sessions per day.
6. Heel Raises
Starting Position: Stand up.
Exercise: Push up on your toes.
Duration: Repeat 15 times per session, and do three sessions per day.
