Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery

Exercises will help your muscles begin to wake up after surgery and will help to promote circulation in your legs to prevent blood clots from forming. Remember to breathe in as you tighten your muscles and out as you relax them. Breathe normally while you hold the position.

Ankle Pumps

1. Begin lying on your back with your legs straight.
2. Slowly pump your ankles by bending and straightening them.
3. Try to keep the rest of your legs relaxed while you move your ankles.
4. Perform 10 repetitions at least five times a day.

Quad Setting

1. Begin lying on your back with one knee bent and your other leg straight with your knee resting on the bed.
2. Gently squeeze your thigh muscles, pushing the back of your knee down into the bed.
3. Make sure to keep your back flat against the bed during the exercise.
4. Perform 10 repetitions at least five times a day.

Glute Setting

1. Begin lying on your back with your hands resting comfortably.
2. Tighten your butt muscles, then release and repeat.
3. Make sure not to arch your lower back during the exercise or hold your breathe as you tighten your muscles.
4. Perform 10 repetitions at least five times a day.

Straight Leg Raises

1. Begin lying on your back on a bed or flat surface with your surgical leg straight and your other leg bent.
2. Pull your toes toward your body, keeping your knee straight, and slowly lift your surgical leg off the bed until it is close to parallel with your other thigh. Hold briefly then lower it back down to the starting position.
3. Make sure to keep your thigh muscles tight and your knee straight. Do not turn your foot or hip in or out during the exercise.
4. Perform 10 repetitions two times a day.

Knee Flex With Gravity Assist

1. Sit where your legs can dangle without touching the floor.
2. Allow your knee to bend to what is comfortable.
3. It shouldn't be painful when working on flex during the first two weeks.
4. Perform 10 repetitions two times a day.