Knee manipulation exercises are common after knee replacement surgery. The muscles of the quadriceps are most affected by knee replacement surgery, though the hamstrings, calves and ankle dorsiflexors also should be strengthened. Static exercises and moving exercises such as knee flexion are part of the rehabilitative program. Knee manipulation exercises focus mainly on the quads and hamstrings, which flex and extend the knee.
Quadriceps Setting Exercise
The quadriceps setting is an isometric exercise. It helps the leg you had surgery on and the leg that wasn't operated on; both will be weak. This exercise may be done lying in bed. Lie on your back with your legs straight and your arms on the bed at your sides. Then fully extend one knee, pull your toes back and push down into the bed to contract the quad muscles. Hold for four to five seconds and then relax. Work up to 20 repetitions and then repeat on the other leg.
Hamstring Set Exercise
The hamstring set exercise strengthens hamstring muscles in the back of your thighs in a similar manner to the quadriceps setting exercise. The hamstrings contract isometrically as you push your leg into the bed or surface you are lying on to do this exercise. Lie face up as you do for the quadriceps setting exercise. Bend one knee until it's about six inches from the mattress. Pull your toes up to flex your foot. Then dig your heel into the mattress and pull it toward your buttocks. Don't slide your heel toward you. The leg remains stationary, using the mattress for resistance so you can isometrically work your hamstrings without your leg moving. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds and relax. Perform two sets of five repetitions.
Straight Leg Raising
Straight leg raising works the quads and hip flexors. The straight leg raise uses the weight of your leg to work your leg muscles, though eventually you can wear ankle weights to increase the difficulty of the exercise. Your knee should be as straight as you can get it during this exercise. Lie on your back with your legs straight. Flex both of your feet and keep them flexed throughout the exercise. Next, raise the leg of the knee you were operated on between six and 10 inches from the bed. Keep the leg raised for five seconds. Next, return your leg to the bed to complete one repetition. Do the prescribed number of reps, or as many as you can. Do two sets of 10 reps and work up to 20 reps.
Flexion and Extension
The knee flexion and extension exercise gets strengthened from a seated position. Any chair or bench that's high enough for you to swing your legs underneath you is high enough. To perform this exercise, sit up straight with your knees bent and hanging over the edge. Swing the foot of the knee you had replaced as far back as you can. This is knee flexion. Then, extend your knee to lift your lower leg until it's parallel to the floor. Lower your leg to the starting position to complete one repetition. Perform three sets of 10 reps.
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