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Knee Exercises

After knee replacement surgery, your physiotherapist will begin teaching you exercises that you will do in bed for your new knee. You are to continue with these exercises when you return home or as directed by your physiotherapist. As you continue to improve and progress from your surgery, your physiotherapist will introduce new exercises that are appropriate for your recovery level.  You should only perform these exercises under the direction of your physiotherapist or surgeon.

 

Exercise 1

This exercise improves the bend of your knee.

Sit on your bed, with your operated leg straight out in front of you, loop the strap around your foot. Slowly bend your operated knee, using the strap to assist, until you feel a stretch over the top of your knee.

1. Hold for 5 seconds
2. Relax
3. Repeat exercise 10 times.

OR

Place a towel or a sling around your thigh. Bend your knee, keeping your heel on the bed or sliding board, using a towel or sling to help.

Pull until you feel a stretch over the top of your knee. Hold for 5 seconds, Relax and repeat 10 times.

Exercise 2

This exercise stretches your calf muscle.

Sit on your bed, with your operated leg straight out in front of you, loop the strap around the ball of your foot. Hold on to the strap with both hands. Keep your knee straight and gently pull on the strap, bringing your toes towards you, until you feel a stretch in your calf.

1. Hold for 5 seconds
2. Relax
3. Repeat exercise 10 times.

 

Exercise 3

This exercise strengthens your thigh muscle.

Sit on your bed, with your operated leg straight out in front of you, pull your toes up, tighten your thigh muscles, and press the back of your knee down on the bed.

1. Hold for 5 seconds
2. Relax
3. Repeat exercise 10 times.

Exercise 4

This exercise strengthens your thigh muscle.

Lie on your back, place a rolled towel (6 inches in diameter or use a 48 oz. juice can) under your operated knee. Pull your toes up and lift your heel off the bed making sure that your thigh remains supported on the roll.

1. Hold your heel up for 5 seconds
2. Relax
3. Repeat exercise 10 times.

You may use the strap to assist you if needed.

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