Top 4 Exercises Before Total Knee Replacement (TKR) Surgery (the “Pre-Hab” Phase)

June 19, 2017 (Updated on Jan 19, 2021)

If you’ve decided to have a total knee replacement (TKR) surgery, now is the time to do everything you can to improve the flexibility and strength in your knee!

If you read the first blog in this series, you’re already familiar with the “3 Essential Tips” to speed your post-surgical recovery and reduce the likelihood that you’ll develop “Stiff Knee Syndrome” or need to visit a nursing home or in-patient rehab facility…

*Click here if you missed this first post and want to check it out*

2 of the 3 essential tips were to improve your knee flexibility and strength as much as possible before total knee surgery.

And while that sounds great, you might be thinking something like this: “It makes sense to improve my knee flexibility and quad muscle strength, but how do I do this, especially when I’m in so much pain?”

I’m glad you asked!

In the video below, I’m going to show you exactly how to perform what I consider the top 4 exercises that will allow you to maximize your knee flexibility and quad strength before TKR surgery, which will improve your chances of a full recovery after surgery.

The Top 4 Exercises Before TKR Surgery:

1. Hamstring Stretch w/ Pressure (to straighten the knee)
2. Stair Knee Flexion Stretch (to bend the knee)
3. Seated Knee Extensions
4. Straight Leg Raises

I’ll explain more details in the video below, including how long you should hold the stretches and how frequently you should perform the stretches and exercises.

If you have any specific questions about the exercises, please feel free to call me at (509) 892-5442 or email me directly at Luke@GordonPhysicalTherapy.com

Good luck!

– Luke Gordon, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy/Owner of Gordon Physical Therapy)

P.S. If you’d like your complete guide to preparing for Total Knee Replacement Surgery, you can download my FREE Report containing all of the best tips and techniques by clicking this link: https://physicaltherapyspokane.com/total-knee-replacement/

Here’s the video of the Top 4 Exercises: