Phase 1 exercises are typically prescribed for patients who have just undergone rehabilitative knee surgery to help balance and coordination return, according to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic. They are also used to help restore full range of motion in the damaged joint as well as help strength return to your knee. These exercises should never be performed following knee surgery unless they are prescribed by your doctor.
Quad Sets
This exercise is performed while sitting or lying on the floor, a table or bench with both legs fully extended and a rolled-up towel or other cushion placed under your knee if necessary. Use the muscles of your upper legs to press the back of your knee down into the table or floor. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic recommend you hold this contraction for about six seconds, and repeat this exercise for 10 to 15 repetitions. They recommend you perform two sets of this exercise as prescribed by your doctor.
Ankle Pumps
This exercise is recommended by Dr. Eric Berkson of the Quincy Medical Center in Massachusetts. It is performed by sitting in a comfortable chair with the foot of your injured leg off the floor. Move your foot in an up and down motion as if you were tapping your toes. Berkson recommends that you perform at least 10 of these exercises every hour as prescribed by your physician.
Hamstring Presses
The hamstring press is performed by sitting on a bench or table with your injured leg bent slightly and the toes of your foot pulled upwards toward your shin. Use the muscles on the back of your thigh to press your heel down into the table while keeping your foot flexed back and your knee slightly bent. Hold this press for about five seconds and repeat five times, according to Dr. Daniel O'Neill of the New Hampshire Knee Center. He recommends that you perform three sets of these exercises daily, or as prescribed by your doctor.
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