8 Exercises to Do Before Knee Replacement

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS

Written By Cindy Kuzma on August 13, 2021

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  Prepare For Your Surgery With Exercise

  Severe knee pain may make working out feel out of the question. But if you're preparing for a knee replacement, physical activity can actually help. In a recent study, preoperative exercise training helped older adults with arthritis function better after their operation. Here are the best moves to build strength and speed recovery.
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  1. Walking

  Five minutes of walking can help you warm up and cool down from strengthening exercises. Do more, and you'll torch calories that will help you shed pounds. If you're overweight, slimming down can reduce your risk of complications and improve your recovery.
   
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  2. Squats

  Stand, feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, toes turned out slightly. Shift hips back and bend knees to lower. Continue until your thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping knees behind your toes. Push through your heels and straighten knees to return to starting position. Do 10 to 20 repetitions.
   
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  3. Leg Extensions

  Sit tall, feet flat on the floor. Lift one leg until your knee is straight. Hold a few seconds, return to start, and then repeat with the other leg. Do 10 to 20 repetitions each. For a bigger challenge, attach one end of a securely anchored resistance band to your ankle.
   
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  4. Leg Curls

  Stand, holding a chair for balance if needed. Shift your weight to one leg and bend the other knee, keeping thighs close. Lift until your foot is about 12 inches off the floor behind you. Return to starting position; repeat with the other leg. Do 10 to 20 repetitions each.
   
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  5. Side Leg Raises

  Stand, feet hip-width apart, gripping a chair back if needed. Slowly lift one leg to the side until your legs are 10 to 12 inches apart. Hold for one second and then lower. Use an elastic band or cable to increase resistance. Do 10 to 20 repetitions on each side.
   
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  6. Lying Hip Strengtheners

  Lie on one side with both legs on the floor. Move your lower leg a few inches in front of your upper leg. Prop your head up with your hand for support. Lift your lower leg several inches off the ground and then slowly lower. Do 10 to 20 repetitions on each side.
   
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  7. Step-Ups

  Stand in front of a sturdy platform about one foot high. Slowly step one foot forward onto the platform and then push off the ground with your other foot to step all the way up. Return to starting position one foot at a time. Do eight to 20 steps on each side.
   
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  8. Practice With Assistive Devices

  Ask your doctor whether a cane, walker, or wheelchair can help you maneuver after your operation. If so, get one in advance. Practice getting in and out of the shower, going up and down stairs, and getting on and off the toilet.
   
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  Ask Your Doctor or Physical Therapist for More

  Your doctor may recommend a visit with a physical therapist to help you prepare for surgery. Either of these healthcare professionals can suggest specific exercises that meet your needs. If there are exercises you'll do after surgery, starting them now can make them easier to complete with your new knee.
   

8 Exercises to Do Before Knee Replacement

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