Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Total knee replacement exercises
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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. Knee bends in chair Sit near the edge of your chair with both feet on the floor. Slide your affected leg back under the chair as far as comfortable. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Tip: Using something under your foot (like a carry bag) can help it glide. 10 reps x3 a day |
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5. 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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Going up and down the stairs x1 rail If there is a rail, hold onto it with one hand. Give your spare crutch to someone, or you may hold it in a ‘T’ shape on the outside of the crutch you are holding. If there is no rail, you can use two crutches Walking up the stairs: Stand at the bottom of the stairs. Push through the crutch and rail and step your unaffected leg on to the first step. Then bring your affected leg onto the same step. Finally, lift the crutch up to the same step. Repeat the pattern until you get to the top.
A - able B - bad C - crutch Stand at the top of the stairs. Take your crutch down to the first step. Step your affected leg down to the same step. Finally, bring your unaffected leg down onto the same step Repeat this pattern until you get to the bottom. You may also find this mnemonic helpful: C - crutch B - bad A - able |
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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/064
Approval date:
30 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.