The patient/caregiver was educated on exercises to help prepare for knee joint replacement surgery as follows:

Pain in the joint can be a deterrent for participation in the exercise schedule. Taking a pain medication 30 minutes before the exercise schedule can help with better pain control and improved compliance with therapy. Placing an ice pack on the knee joint for 30 minutes before and after the therapy session can add to control of pain and swelling in the joint.  These sets of exercises to strengthen the knee are to be performed 3 – 4 times every day. Fix scheduled time slots during your day to perform your knee exercises. Individuals strengthening their muscles around the knee joint before surgery can have an easier and faster recovery from the knee replacement surgery.

Based on the condition of the knee and other coexisting factors, limitations could be recommended on performance of some exercises in some individuals. Check with your physician and therapist for any limitations recommended before performing these exercises.

Kicking back:

  1. To perform this exercise, you can lie in the bed on the abdomen with legs relaxed and stretched out behind. Draw the leg to be exercised up towards the ceiling to the extent possible.
  2. This exercise helps strengthen the hamstrings muscles on the back of the thigh, which helps with bending the knee and promotes flexion of the knee joint.
  3. Once the leg is drawn closest to the maximum possible, hold it for a count of 5, lower it down and relax.
  4. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of kicking back exercises.

Seated knee extension:

  1. This exercise helps with straightening the knee, which is important for establishing the range of motion in the knee.
  2. You can sit in the chair with legs relaxed and stretched out in front of you and toes pointing straight forward.
  3. The goal of this exercise is to slowly raise one foot up, until the leg is straight and parallel to the ground.
  4. This helps straightening the knee and promotes extension of the knee joint.
  5. Once the leg is closest to being straight and parallel to the ground, hold it for a count of 5, and bring it down to the start point.
  6. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of seated knee extension exercises.

Standing single-leg balance exercise:

  1. This exercise helps with improving the balance, which is important for fall prevention and establish independence with safe ADL performance after surgery.
  2. To perform this exercise, you can stand against a solid piece of furniture or a countertop.
  3. Do not rely upon your assistive device for support during performance of this exercise, as they could be unstable and contribute to a fall.
  4. Then, taking the support of the countertop with both hands, try standing only on the leg to be exercised for 30 seconds or until your endurance allows.
  5. Then, stand normally on both feet for stabilization for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise for a total of 3 sets.