When you have a knee replaced, it’s not just a medical procedure—it’s a chance to do it all over again. It can erase years of pain, make you walk again, and give you back the comfort you gave up long ago. But here’s what: surgery by itself isn’t the whole solution. Magic occurs after the operation, through motion, commitment, and the right guidance.
That’s where exercises after knee replacement come in. In this post, we take you through a few of the best and safest exercises to help you regain strength and balance and re-establish your daily routine, one step at a time.
Your healing doesn’t start with rest—it starts with movement.
Let’s help your brand-new knee do what it was made to do: move with power and without discomfort.
Why Are Exercises Important?
After the surgery, your knee will require help from the muscles surrounding it. The joint can get stiff and weak if you don’t move or stretch it often. Doing exercises after knee replacement helps you:
- Reduce swelling and pain
- Improve movement and flexibility
- Strengthen muscles
- Avoid blood clots.
- Walk better and faster
When should you exercise after knee replacement?
Usually, your doctor or physiotherapist will start light exercises within a day after surgery. These movements are slow, safe, and important. You’ll keep doing different exercises for the next few months to build full strength.
Let’s look at what to do at each stage.
Week 1: Gentle Movements (In Bed or Chair)
Ankle Pumps
- Move your foot up and down while lying down.
Tighten Your Thigh (Quad Sets)
- Lie down, straighten your leg, and tighten your thigh. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
Heel Slides
- Lie on your back and slowly slide your heel toward your hip.
- Helps bend your knee gently
Benefits of exercise after knee replacement
- Improves blood circulation
- Prevents blood clots
- Keeps leg muscles active
- Helps with standing and walking
Weeks 2–6: Start Building Strength
Straight Leg Raise
- Lie down and lift your operated leg slowly while keeping it straight.
Seated Knee Bend
- Sit on a chair and slide your foot back gently under the chair.
- Try to bend your knee as much as possible, slowly.
- Standing Knee Bends
- Hold onto a chair or wall, and bend your knee behind you.
Benefits of exercise after knee replacement:
- Reduces stiffness
- Prepares you for sitting and climbing
- Makes daily movements smoother
- Prepares you for walking and stair use
- Builds strength in the thigh and hip
- Encourages faster healing of movement
Weeks 6–12: Stronger and More Active
Once your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can try these advanced exercises after knee replacement.
Mini Squats (With Support)
- Hold a table or chair and bend your knees slightly.
- Keep your back straight.
- Helps strengthen thighs and hips
Step-Ups
- Step up on a low platform and step down slowly.
- Try both legs.
- Makes climbing stairs easier
Cycling (Stationary Bike)
- Start with no resistance.
- Pedal gently for 10–15 minutes.
- Improves flexibility and blood flow.
Benefits:
- Improves knee stability
- Supports safer walking and stair climbing
- Improves blood flow and stamina
- Helps both legs regain coordination
Balance and Core Support Exercises After Knee Replacement
Balance and core support exercises play a crucial role in recovery after knee replacement surgery. These exercises help improve walking stability and reduce the risk of falls, allowing you to regain confidence in your movement.
A few effective exercises include side leg raises, where you hold onto a chair for support and gently lift your leg to the side, improving hip and core strength. Calf raises are also beneficial—simply stand straight, lift your heels, and balance on your toes to enhance ankle stability and balance. Another gentle but effective movement is tummy tightening, where you lie down and slowly pull in your belly muscles, helping to strengthen your core.
Helpful Tips:
Before you begin any exercise, always warm up your body to avoid stiffness and injury. If your knee swells after the workout, use ice packs to reduce inflammation. It’s important to stop immediately if you feel sharp pain during any movement. Additionally, keep your body fueled with plenty of water and a healthy diet. Most importantly, stay consistent—doing a little every day is more effective than overexerting yourself occasionally.
You can follow these tips under the care of the best knee replacement surgeon in Jaipur or your physiotherapist.
Why Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital?
Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital stands out as a trusted Orthopedic hospital in Jaipur, committed to offering personalised care for every patient. Our team creates individual recovery plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition and needs, ensuring a smooth and effective healing process. We provide one-on-one physiotherapy sessions to enhance mobility and strength, guided by expert therapists. Patients benefit from the expertise of some of the best knee replacement specialists in Jaipur, ensuring advanced surgical care and successful outcomes. The hospital is equipped with modern rehabilitation facilities designed to speed up recovery in a safe and supportive environment. From consultation to recovery, our friendly and compassionate team is with you at every step, making your journey comfortable and confident.
Final Word
Recovery takes time, but with the right exercises after knee replacement, you’ll feel stronger and better every day. Let the team at Ginni Devi Memorial Hospital support your journey—step by step—with care, encouragement, and expert guidance.
