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Regular exercise to restore strength and mobility to your knee and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery after total knee replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily; and walk for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery. They may suggest some of the exercises shown below.

This guide can help you better understand your exercise and activity program, supervised by your physical therapist and orthopaedic surgeon. To ensure your safe recovery, be sure to check with your therapist or surgeon before performing any of the exercises shown.

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Before and After Total Joint Replacement

Early Post-operative Exercises

The following exercises will help increase circulation to your legs and feet, which is important for preventing blood clots. They will also help strengthen your muscles and improve knee movement.

Start the exercises as soon as you are able. You can begin them in the recovery room shortly after surgery. You may feel uncomfortable at first, but these exercises will help speed your recovery and actually diminish your post-operative pain.

Quadriceps Sets

Illustration of quadriceps set

Quadriceps set

Straight Leg Raises

You also can do leg raises while sitting.

Continue these exercises periodically until full strength returns to your thigh.

Illustration of straight leg raise

Straight leg raise

Ankle Pumps

Continue this exercise until you are fully recovered and all ankle and lower-leg swelling has subsided.

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Ankle pump

Knee Straightening Exercises

Illustration of knee straightening exercise

Knee straightening exercise

Bed-Supported Knee Bends

Illustration of bed-supported knee bend

Bed-supported knee bend

Sitting Supported Knee Bends

Illustration of sitting supported knee bend

Sitting supported knee bend

Sitting Unsupported Knee Bends

Illustration of sitting unsupported knee bend

Sitting unsupported knee bend

Treatment

Total Knee Replacement

Recovery

Activities After Total Knee Replacement

Treatment

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

Early Activity

Soon after your surgery, you will begin to walk short distances in your hospital room and perform everyday activities. This early activity aids your recovery and helps your knee regain its strength and movement.

Walking

Proper walking is the best way to help your knee recover. At first, you will walk with a walker or crutches. Your surgeon or therapist will tell you how much weight to put on your leg.

Illustration of woman using walker

Early on, walking will help you regain movement in your knee.

Stair Climbing and Descending

Stair climbing is an excellent strengthening and endurance activity that also requires flexibility.

Illustration of woman climbing and descending stairs using a crutch

Stair climbing and descending using a crutch

Advanced Exercises and Activities

Once you have regained independence for short distances and a few steps, you may increase your activity. The pain of your knee problems before surgery and the pain and swelling after surgery have weakened your knee. A full recovery will take several months. The following exercises and activities will help you recover fully.

Standing Knee Bends

Illustration of standing knee bend

Standing knee bend

Assisted Knee Bends

Illustration of assisted knee bend

Assisted knee bend

Knee Exercises with Resistance

You can place light weights around your ankle and repeat any of the above exercises. These resistance exercises usually can begin 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery. Use 1- to 2-pound weights at first; gradually increase the weight as your strength returns. (Inexpensive wrap-around ankle weights with Velcro straps can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.)

Exercycling

Riding an exercise bike is an excellent activity to help you regain muscle strength and knee mobility.

Illustration of woman exercycling

Later on, excercycling will help you build strength in the muscles around your knee.

Pain or Swelling after Exercise

You may experience knee pain or swelling after exercise or activity. You can relieve this by elevating your leg and applying ice wrapped in a towel. If you use ice, it should be placed on the knee for 20 minutes and then removed for 20 minutes; this sequence should be repeated for about 2 hours.

Exercise and activity should consistently improve your strength and mobility. If you have any questions or problems, contact your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist.