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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
