Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Total knee replacement exercise progressions
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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. Assisted Knee bends in bed Secure a band or towel around your foot and hold both ends. Bend your knee as far as you can, then gently assist further with the band until you feel a stretch. Hold briefly, then return to the starting position with control. 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. Inner range quads Sit with a rolled towel or foam roller under your knees so your legs are supported. Tighten the thigh muscles on your affected leg to straighten the knee and lift your heel off the surface. Hold for a few seconds, then slowly relax back to the starting position and repeat. 10 reps 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. 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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7. 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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8. Seated knee extension Sit upright in a chair and slowly straighten your operated knee, pointing your toes up towards the ceiling. Lower the leg back down with control, then repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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9. Knee bend stretch on step Place your operated leg on a step and gently lunge forward, pushing your weight through the knee to increase the bend. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, then relax and repeat. 10 reps x3 a day |
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10. Calf raises Stand tall, holding on to a chair or surface for balance. Slowly rise up onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels as high as you can. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down with control and repeat. 10 reps x3 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/063
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.