5 Exercises to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery and Support Recovery
Preparing for total knee replacement or partial knee replacement? Simple, low-impact exercises before knee replacement surgery help build knee strength and ease your post-op recovery. By working with a professional, you can develop a safe exercise plan that meets your needs.
Keep reading for five pre-knee-replacement exercises that can improve your recovery.
Tips for Knee Replacement Presurgery Exercises
When starting a new exercise routine, start slow and stretch for five to 10 minutes beforehand. You should also listen to your body and stop exercising if the movements hurt or you become fatigued. This helps prevent further injury.
For the best results, follow the plan created by your Summit Orthopedics physical therapist. Working with a professional helps you perform exercises before knee replacement surgery safely and with confidence.
5 Pre-Knee Replacement Exercises to Prepare You for Surgery
These pre-knee replacement physical therapy exercises are typically performed on the floor. However, you can do them on a couch or bed if you have a hard time getting down on the floor and back up.
1. Bridge
- Lie on your back with your arms by your side. Bend your knees so your feet are flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles, squeeze your buttocks and lift your hips. Your head, arms, upper back and feet will be the only parts of your body touching the ground.
- Once you reach this position, slowly lower yourself to the starting position.
Repeat 20 times, once or twice a day.
2. Hamstring Stretch
- While sitting upright, extend the leg to be operated on in front of you. Bend the other knee.
- Lean forward a bit, bending at the waist, careful to keep your back straight.
- You should feel the back of your thigh stretching.
- Hold this position for 30 seconds.
Repeat two or three times, once or twice a day.
3. Hip Abduction Straight Leg Raise
- Lie on your side with your hips and knees bent slightly. The knee undergoing surgery should be on top, with the other knee on the ground.
- Straighten and raise your top leg, then lower it toward the ground. As you do, point your toes toward the ground and keep your upper body leaning slightly forward so you don’t tip backward.
- Once your toes touch the ground, raise the leg again.
Repeat the movement 30 times, once or twice a day.
4. Hip Flexion Straight-Leg Raise
- Lie on your back and extend the leg undergoing surgery flat on the floor. Bend the other leg so your foot is flat on the ground.
- Slowly raise and lower the outstretched leg, keeping it straight through the entire movement.
Repeat this exercise 30 times, once or twice daily.
5. Standing Hamstring Curl
- Stand while holding a chair, countertop or other stable object.
- Keep your back straight as you bend the knee of the leg undergoing surgery.
- Raise your heel toward your buttocks, then lower your foot to the starting position.
Repeat this exercise 30 times, one or two times a day.
Is Walking Good Exercise Before Knee Replacement Surgery?
Walking is usually considered a good exercise for building endurance before knee replacement surgery. Endurance is important, as it helps you work harder for longer during rehabilitation.
You may want to start your walking routine on a treadmill with no incline. This allows you to walk at a slow pace while you focus on walking in a way that is gentle on your new knee. Over time, you may begin to walk outside on hills and uneven surfaces.
Key Takeaways
Exercising before knee replacement surgery helps you recover safely and quickly. Your physical therapist can help develop a personalized plan.
- Common exercises include bridging, hip abduction straight-leg raises and standing hamstring curls
- When exercising, listen to your body. Stop exercising if you experience pain, and stretch beforehand to reduce the risk of injury.
- Walking can improve your endurance before knee replacement surgery, which can help speed up your recovery.
