A total knee replacement is an option for patients with severe arthritis. A knee replacement is considered when conservative treatment has failed and you find yourself in severe pain daily. During your total knee replacement, your surgeon will remove the damaged portion of your knee and replace it with prosthetic parts. As part of your recovery, your doctor will recommend a series of strengthening and range of motion exercises to allow for a full recovery. Always follow your doctor's instructions and wait for approval before beginning exercises.
Leg Raises
Leg raises can help strengthen your quadriceps -- thigh muscle -- and help prevent the formation of blood clots following your total knee replacement. This exercise can be completed in bed. Lie down with your legs extended -- as far as possible -- in front of you. Slowly raise your affected leg a few inches off of the bed by tightening your thigh muscle. Hold this position for a count of five to 10 seconds. Slowly lower your leg back down to the bed. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Knee Straightening
A knee straightening exercise helps improve your mobility following surgery. Gather a small towel and roll it longways. Place the rolled towel underneath your heel. Your heel should not be touching the bed at all. By tightening your thigh muscle, try to fully extend your affected knee. If possible, touch the back of your knee to your bed. Hold the extended knee position for a count of five to 10 seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions. If your leg feels fatigued, stop this exercise sooner.
Seated Knee Extension
Seated knee extension allows you to work on your new knee's flexibility. Sit straight up in a chair with your knees bent and feet planted firmly on the ground in front of you. Slowly raise your affected leg and straighten your knee out as far as you possibly can. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat. Complete one set of 10 repetitions of this exercise.
Standing Knee Bends
Standing knee bends allows you to regain strength as well as mobility in your affected knee. Stand up straight and position yourself near a countertop, table or the back of a chair. Grab onto this object for support. Slowly bend your affected knee backward so that you foot is coming in the direction of your buttocks. Try to move your leg backward without twisting your knee inward or outward. Once you have bent your knee as far as possible, hold this position for a count of five. Relax and repeat this exercise 10 times.
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