Before Knee Surgery

Exercises for the patient in preparation for knee replacement surgery:

Muscle Strengthening Exercises:

Numerous studies have shown that exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee (quadriceps and hamstring) can reduce pain, improve range of motion and improve cardiopulmonary function in preparation for surgery.

For these reasons, moderate exercise such as walking, swimming and cycling which help improve general functioning are recommended. Set a goal for yourself and try to get to three 20-30 minute training sessions a week.

Instructions for performing the pre-operative fitness exercises

Here are some exercises to strengthen your muscles before knee replacement surgery. Please follow these guidelines to keep yourself healthy: 

Repetitions – It is advisable that you start with ten repetitions, and continue practicing until you feel muscle fatigue. As the muscle gets stronger, you can increase the number of repetitions for each exercise.

Recommended frequency – Once to twice a day.

The recommended duration of the exercise – stay in the exercise position for at least five seconds until release.

1. Knee Ankle Jacks (for beginners):

  • Position: Lying in bed with legs in front of you and a sheet wrapped around the ankle.
  • First movement: Bending the knee using the sheet.
  • Second movement: Alignment of the knee against the resistance of the sheet.

2.Passive strengthening of the quadriceps muscle when lying down:

  • Position: Lying down with feet in front.
  • Movement: Contract the quadriceps muscle, pushing the knee toward the bed and pulling the tips of the toes towards you.

3. Strengthening of the hamstring while standing:

  • Position: Standing opposite the back of a chair or wall.
  • Hold onto it with both hands.
  • Flex the knee and move the ankle towards the buttocks.

This exercise can also be done in a sitting position.

  • Bend the knee with the other leg.

4.Getting up off a chair:

  • Position: Sitting with both hands holding the handles of the chair.
  • Movement: Push with the hands and raise the buttocks.

5.Strengthening of calf muscle:

  • Position: Standing in front of a wall.
  • Movement: Lift the heels and stand on tiptoes.

Illustrations by Limor Shaked
Sunnybrook’s Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital has developed part of this material and this has been edited by Dr. Michael Drexler. Permission to add this link to my website has been granted by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s and Mount Sinai Hospital Guides for Patients Having Hip or Knee Replacement.

Leave a message and we’ll get back to you or call:

השאירו פרטים ונחזור אליכם בהקדם