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Exercises After Knee Replacement

The following exercises will help you prevent blood clots, build leg strength, and increase your range of motion (how much your knee can bend and straighten). Unless told otherwise, repeat each exercise 10 to 15 times per session. Do 2 to 3 sessions each day. As you get stronger, slowly increase the number of times you do each exercise for each session.

Take deep, steady breaths as you exercise. Don't hold your breath.

Stop any exercise that causes sharp or increased knee pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain.

Ankle Pumps

Ankle pumps help reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.

Lie on your back. Point, then flex both feet slowly.

Quadriceps Sets

Quadriceps sets strengthen thigh muscles.

Lie on your back. Press the back of your knee into the bed.
Tighten the muscle on the front of your thigh. Hold for 5 seconds. Release.

Gluteal Sets

Gluteal sets strengthen muscles in the buttocks.

Lie on your back. Squeeze your buttocks together tightly to raise your hips slightly. Hold for 5 seconds. Release.

Heel Slides

Heel slides increase range of motion and thigh muscle strength.

Lie on your back. Slide the heel of your operated leg up the bed toward your buttocks. Go until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold for 5 seconds. Slide your leg back down.

Short-arc Knee Extensions

Lie on your back. Place a rolled towel under your new knee and bend the other knee.
Keeping your new knee on the towel, lift your foot several inches to straighten the knee.
Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower the foot.

Straight Leg Raises

Lie on your back. Bend your good leg, keeping your foot flat on the bed.
With your operated leg as straight as possible, lift it about 1 foot off the bed.

(At first, you may only be able to lift the leg a few inches.)
Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower the leg.

Standing Knee Bends

Stand while holding on to a steady surface, such as a table.
Bend your new knee as far as you can.
Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower the leg.

Long-arc Knee Extensions

Sit in a chair with both feet flat on the floor.
Straighten the new knee as much as you can.
Hold for 5 seconds. Slowly lower the leg.