Exercise Tips for Your New Joint

To continue to make progress in your recovery, it’s important that you keep doing your exercises for at least another month.

A stationary bicycle may be recommended at this point (or soon) if you’ve had knee replacement surgery. It helps your muscle tone and joint flexibility. Set the seat so that your knee bends as much as comfortably possible while cycling. (Note: The stationary bike is not generally recommended for hip patients.)

For Your Knee

• Work on your quadriceps, the muscles in the front of your thighs. Progressive strengthening can improve recovery after knee replacement.

• Don’t do resistance quad exercises from a bent knee position (ie., don’t straighten your knee out against resistance). Your quad exercises should work the muscle without moving the joint.

For more info, see this exercise guide from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

For Your Hip 

• Do the specific hip exercises you’ve been given as directed by your surgeon and physical therapist.

• Do not do resistance exercises or use weights on your operative leg.

• You’ll be advised on starting more aggressive physical therapy when your surgeon checks your progress 4–6 weeks after surgery,

For more info, see this exercise guide from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.