Best Exercises to Do Before & After Knee Replacement: A Complete Guide

Knee replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure that can restore mobility and eliminate chronic pain. However, the success of your recovery depends significantly on proper preparation and rehabilitation. Understanding the right exercises before knee replacement and exercises after knee replacement can make all the difference in your surgical outcome and recovery timeline.

Why Exercise Matters for Knee Replacement Surgery

Whether you're preparing for surgery or recovering afterward, a structured knee replacement exercise routine is essential. Pre- and post-surgery knee exercises help strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce recovery time. Many patients who engage in knee replacement physiotherapy exercises before and after surgery report better outcomes and faster return to daily activities.

Essential Exercises Before Knee Replacement

Preparing your body with knee strengthening exercises India before surgery can significantly improve your post-operative recovery. These knee flexion exercises pre-surgery help build muscle strength and endurance:

Quadriceps Sets: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Tighten the muscle on top of your thigh by pushing your knee down toward the floor. Hold for 5-10 seconds and repeat 10-15 times. This is one of the most effective low-impact knee exercises for surgery prep.

Straight Leg Raises: While lying down, bend one knee and keep the other straight. Lift the straight leg to the height of the bent knee, hold for 3 seconds, and lower slowly. This strengthens the quadriceps without stressing the knee joint.

Ankle Pumps: Move your foot up and down at the ankle. This simple exercise improves circulation and prevents blood clots, making it crucial for knee mobility exercises after surgery preparation.

Heel Slides: Slide your heel toward your buttocks, bending your knee as much as comfortably possible. These knee flexion exercises pre-surgery improve your range of motion before the procedure.

Best Knee Rehab Exercises After Surgery

Post-surgery recovery requires dedication to knee replacement recovery exercises. Your orthopedic knee replacement exercises Bangalore specialist will guide you through a progressive program, but here are fundamental movements:

Knee Extension Exercises: These knee extension exercises after surgeryare critical for regaining full leg straightness. Place a rolled towel under your ankle while lying down, and gently push your knee down toward the bed, straightening it as much as possible.

Seated Knee Flexion: Sit in a chair and slowly slide your operated leg backward, bending the knee. These knee range of motion exercises help restore flexibility gradually.

Standing Knee Bends: Hold onto a counter for support and gently bend your knee, lifting your foot toward your buttocks. This is one of the essential knee rehabilitation exercises at home that you can perform independently.

Mini Squats: Stand holding a stable surface and perform small squats, bending knees slightly. Progress gradually as strength improves.

Creating Your Knee Replacement Physiotherapy Plan

A comprehensive knee physiotherapy after replacement program should include:

Flexibility exercises for improved knee range of motion exercises
Strengthening routines focusing on quadriceps and hamstrings Balance training to prevent falls Low-impact activities like walking and swimming

The best approach combines supervised sessions with knee rehabilitation exercises at home. Consistency is more important than intensity, especially in the early weeks. Your physiotherapist will customize your knee replacement exercise routine based on your progress, pain levels, and specific surgical approach.

Tips for Safe Exercise After Knee Replacement

Start slowly with any knee mobility exercises after surgery. Listen to your body and never push through sharp pain. Ice and elevation after exercise sessions can help manage swelling. Remember that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint – gradual progression ensures long-term success.

Most patients benefit from 2-3 sessions daily of shorter duration rather than one long session. This approach maintains momentum without causing excessive fatigue. Track your progress with a journal to stay motivated and identify what works best for your body.

Expert Care at Orthomed Clinic

For comprehensive knee replacement care and personalized exercise guidance, Orthomed Clinic offers specialized orthopedic services in Bangalore. Their team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists provides complete care from pre-surgery preparation through full recovery. With state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered approach, Orthomed Clinic ensures you receive the best possible treatment and rehabilitation support.

Contact Orthomed Clinic: Address: #2399/A, Mylaralingeshwara Complex, Deepa Complex Road, Muddinapalya Main Road, Opp. HP Petrol Bunk, Annapoorneshwarinagar, Nagarabavi,Bengaluru- 560 091

Contact Details:

Phone: +91-99015-21083

Email:orthomedhealthcare@gmail.com

Address:#2399/A, Mylaralingeshwara Complex, Deepa Complex Road, Muddinapalya Main Road, Opp. HP Petrol Bunk, Annapoorneshwarinagar, Nagarabavi,Bengaluru- 560 091

Website: https://www.orthomedclinics.in/