Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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1. Quad set in bed Lie on your bed. Straighten your leg and press the back of your knee down into the bed. You should feel your thigh muscle tighten. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. 10 reps x3 a day |
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2. Knee bends in bed While lying on your back or reclining, slowly bend your operated knee as far as comfortable. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. 10 reps x3 a day |
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3. Knee extension with towel Lie on your back or reclined with toes pointing upwards. Place a rolled towel under your ankle so your calf and thigh are off the bed. Let your knee relax and straighten completely—you should feel a stretch behind the knee. Hold the position for 5–10 minutes, x3 a day |
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4. Calf stretch with towel Lie on your bed. Straighten your legs. Place a towel around the ball of your foot of your operated leg. Hold both ends of the towel with your hands and pull towards you, gently stretching the back of your calf. Hold 30 seconds, x3 a day |
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5. Straight leg raise Sit on the bed with your legs straight out in front. Pull your toes up, press the back of your knee down, and gently lift your operated leg. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down and repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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6. Patella mobilisations Lie on your bed. Straighten your legs and relax your thigh muscle. Place your fingers either side of your kneecap and gently push it to one side and then the other. Repeat. 20 seconds x 3 a day |
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7. Assisted knee bend in the chair Sit in a chair and bend your operated knee back as far as you can. Place your good leg in front to gently help push it further. Hold the position, for a few seconds, then relax. 10 reps x3 a day |
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8. Seated Knee stretch Sit tall in a chair and rest your heel on a stool or table at about the same height as your chair. Ensure there’s a clear gap between your foot and hip. Allow the knee to straighten as much as possible—keep your toes pointing up. Hold this stretch for 5–10 minutes. Try to repeat every 2 hours. |
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9. Isometric hamstrings in bed Lie on your bed. Bend your operated knee slightly. Gently push your heel into the bed and hold for 5 seconds. 10 reps x 3 a day |
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Physiotherapy service.
About this information
Service:
Physiotherapy
Reference:
BB/049
Approval date:
1 April 2026
Review date:
1 April 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.