Exercises Before Knee Replacement Surgery

OUCH MATCH
Apr 15
3 min read

Why Do Exercises Before Knee Replacement Surgery?

Numerous studies show that people who complete a structured program of exercises before knee replacement:

Experience less post-op pain
Spend less time in the hospital
Regain mobility faster
Improve strength and flexibility sooner after surgery

Taking time to strengthen your legs and increase knee function now makes a noticeable difference post-surgery.

Prehab Tips Before You Begin

Before starting your exercises before knee replacement, keep these tips in mind:

Consult your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.
Focus on slow, controlled movements.
Consistency matters more than intensity—aim for 15–30 minutes, several times a week.

Best Exercises Before Knee Replacement

Here are the most effective and low-impact exercises before knee replacement surgery to help you build strength and improve mobility:

Quad Sets build quadriceps strength, which is essential for walking and knee stability.
Straight Leg Raises strengthen your thigh without bending the knee joint—perfect as part of a safe prehab routine.
Hamstring Curls target the back of the thigh, providing balanced support around your knee.
Heel Slides these are simple yet powerful exercises before knee replacement to improve knee flexibility and range of motion.
Calf Raises boost lower leg strength and balance, which is crucial for mobility post-surgery.
Seated Knee Extensions A gentle yet effective way to build strength in the quads without stressing the joint.

Additional Tips for Preparing Your Body

In addition to exercises before knee replacement surgery includes engaging in low-impact activities, which can further support your body’s preparation for surgery. These activities are gentle on your joints while still promoting strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

Low-impact exercises are excellent for maintaining fitness without putting undue stress on your knees. Here are some great options:

Swimming: Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that minimizes joint strain. The buoyancy of the water supports your body, reducing the impact on your knees. Swimming can improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength, making it a top choice for pre-surgery preparation.
Stationary Bike: Cycling on a stationary bike helps enhance knee flexibility and strength without the risk of falling. Adjust the seat height so your knee is slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke to avoid overextending your joint.
Walking: Walking is simple yet effective. It promotes cardiovascular health and keeps your leg muscles active. Aim for a flat, even surface to reduce the risk of tripping or falling. Start with short distances and gradually increase as you feel more comfortable.

Swimming

Swimming not only offers a low-impact workout but also provides resistance, which helps build muscle strength. Try different strokes to engage various muscle groups and keep your routine interesting.

How to incorporate swimming:

Swim laps at a comfortable pace for 20-30 minutes.
Use a kickboard to focus on leg strength.
Perform water aerobics for a varied workout.

Stationary Bike

A stationary bike is a versatile tool that can be adjusted to match your fitness level. It helps improve knee mobility and endurance.

How to use a stationary bike:

Start with a warm-up at a low resistance for 5-10 minutes.
Gradually increase the resistance to challenge your muscles.
Aim for 20-30 minutes of cycling, maintaining a steady pace.

Walking

Walking is accessible and can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. It helps maintain joint flexibility and overall fitness.

Tips for effective walking:

Wear supportive shoes to protect your knees and ankles.
Keep a steady pace and avoid uneven surfaces.
Walk for 20-30 minutes daily, splitting the time if needed.

What to Avoid

When performing exercises before knee replacement, avoid:

High-impact activities (running, jumping)
Deep squats or lunges
Movements that cause sharp pain or swelling

Always listen to your body and scale back when needed.

Incorporating these exercises before knee replacement into your weekly routine is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. You'll:

Improve your recovery outcomes
Feel stronger and more confident going into surgery
Reduce the chance of complications

A little prehab goes a long way in getting you back on your feet—literally!

References

Papalia, R., Vasta, S., D'Adamio, S., Albo, E., Maffulli, N., & Denaro, V. (2014). Pre-operative physiotherapy for knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 54(5), 710-717. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25034526/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). (2021). Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org
Hoogeboom, T. J., Dronkers, J. J., Hulzebos, E. H., Van Meeteren, N. L. (2012). Merits of exercise therapy before and after major surgery. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 25(2), 161–166. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0b013e32834f59c2
Bade, M. J., Kohrt, W. M., & Stevens-Lapsley, J. E. (2010). Outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty compared to healthy adults. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 40(9), 559–567. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2010.3317
Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Knee Replacement Surgery: Recovery, Risks, and Preoperative Tips. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/16568-knee-replacement