Your knee is a complex joint that provides the ability to run, walk and perform twisting motions. This joint is prone to injury as a result of trauma, twisting or contact during sport. Injuries to your knee can involve surgical replacement, which often requires weeks of rehabilitative strengthening and stretching exercises. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists many exercises for after a knee replacement. Consult your doctor before performing any of these exercises to ensure they're right for you after a knee replacement.
Standing Knee Bends
Stand using a walker or crutches for support. Make sure you're balanced and lift your affected leg off the ground and bend your knee. Continue bending your knee until it's flexed as far as possible, but only go far enough that your thigh is parallel to the ground. Hold this stretch for five to 10 seconds. Straighten your leg enough to touch your heel to the floor and repeat. Perform 10 repetitions.
Single Leg Squats
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your body supported by a table, railing or other sturdy surface. Lift your unaffected leg off the ground and support your entire body weight on your affected leg. Bend your knee and lower your body to the ground. Continue lowering your body as far as you can. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and then use the large muscles on the front of your thigh to return to the starting position. Repeat according to your doctor's orders.
Heel Raises
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, hands resting by your sides. Lift your body onto your toes by raising both heels off the floor at the same time. Hold this position for about five seconds, then use a slow and controlled motion to return to the starting position. As your condition improves, you can place the balls of your feet on a board or stair and lower your body even farther. Repeat as directed by your doctor.
Forward Lunge
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and step forward with an exaggerated step, using your affected leg. Bend both knees at the same time and lower your upper body toward the ground until your front thigh is about parallel to the ground and your rear knee is nearly touching the ground. Hold this position for about two seconds and then straighten both legs to return to the starting position. Perform three sets of 10 repetitions of this exercise.
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