Knee surgery in Edmonton

10 Exercises for Strength Before Total Knee Replacement

Preoperative physiotherapy can improve the outcome of a total knee replacement. Strengthening muscles, enhancing flexibility, and improving balance help in faster recovery and better mobility. If you are preparing for knee surgery in Edmonton, adding these exercises to your routine can make a difference.

Benefits of Preoperative Physiotherapy

Exercising before knee replacement surgery boosts muscle strength, enhances joint flexibility, and improves balance. Stronger muscles provide better support for the knee, reducing strain on the joint and aiding in a smoother recovery process. Additionally, building strength can prepare the body for post-surgery rehabilitation, ensuring long-term mobility and function.

knee surgery in Edmonton

1. Thigh Squeezes for Stronger Quadriceps

Thigh squeezes target the front thigh muscles essential for knee stability.

Steps:

• Lie on your back.
• Push the back of your knee down toward the floor while tightening the thigh.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

2. Side-Lying Leg Raises for Hip Strength

This exercise builds hip abductors that stabilize the pelvis.

Steps:

• Lie on your side.
• Raise your top leg about 1–2 feet high.
• Slowly lower the leg back down.
• Perform 10 repetitions in three sets.

3. Straight Leg Raises for Hip and Knee Support

Leg raises strengthen quadriceps and hip flexor muscles, crucial for post-surgery recovery.

Steps:

• Lie on your back with one knee bent and the other leg straight.
• Tighten your thigh and lift the straight leg to the same height as the bent knee.
• Hold for 2 seconds, then lower the leg slowly.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

4. Clamshells for Hip and Balance Support

Clamshells improve hip rotator strength and balance.

Steps:

• Lie on your side with knees bent and heels together.
• Open your knees like a clamshell, keeping heels connected.
• Return to the starting position.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

5. Knee Bending for Flexibility

This helps maintain knee range of motion and prepares the joint for surgery.

Steps:

• Sit in a sturdy chair and bend your knee as far back as possible.
• Hold for 5 seconds and release.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

6. Sitting Kicks for Quadriceps Strength

This strengthens the quadriceps through full range of motion.

Steps:

• Sit in a stable chair and extend your leg straight out.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then lower slowly.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

7. Chair Pushups for Triceps Strength

Chair pushups prepare the upper body for using mobility aids like walkers or crutches.

Steps:

• Sit in a sturdy chair with armrests.
• Push yourself up using the arms of the chair until your elbows are straight.
• Slowly lower yourself back down.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

8. Lying Kicks for Quadriceps Engagement

This helps strengthen the front thigh muscles.

Steps:

• Lie on your back with a rolled towel under your injured knee.
• Straighten your leg, keeping the knee in contact with the towel.
• Hold for 5 seconds, then lower.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

9. Stomach Kickbacks for Glutes and Hamstrings

This strengthens the back leg muscles, aiding in mobility post-surgery.

Steps:

• Lie on your stomach.
• Lift your leg straight up toward the ceiling and hold for 3 seconds.
• Slowly lower back to the ground.
• Perform 5–20 repetitions in three sets.

10. One-Leg Balance with Support

Balance exercises reduce the risk of falls and improve stability.

Steps:

• Stand near a countertop for support.
• Lift one leg off the ground and hold for 30 seconds.
• Gradually reduce reliance on support for added challenge.

Preoperative Physiotherapy at Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre

Preparing for a total knee replacement with targeted exercises can lead to a smoother recovery. At Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre, we guide patients through customized preoperative physiotherapy plans. Contact our team in Edmonton to learn more about building strength before your surgery.

Direct Billing Options for Preoperative Physiotherapy

We understand that managing healthcare expenses can be overwhelming, especially when preparing for a total knee replacement. At Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre, we strive to make the process easier by offering direct billing services.

Our team works directly with most major insurance providers to ensure that your physiotherapy sessions are covered without the hassle of upfront payments. This allows you to focus entirely on your recovery and preparation for surgery without worrying about financial details.

Benefits of Direct Billing

• Convenience: Avoid the need to submit insurance claims manually.
• Reduced Financial Burden: Only pay for any remaining balance after your insurance coverage.
• Time-Saving: Spend more time focusing on your health and less on paperwork.

We collaborate with insurance providers like:

• Blue Cross
• Sun Life
• Manulife
• Canada Life
• And many others

If you have questions about your coverage or need assistance with insurance claims, our friendly staff is here to help. Contact Millwoods Physical Therapy Centre in Edmonton to confirm if your plan qualifies for direct billing.

Start your journey toward a stronger, healthier recovery with the support you need—physically and financially.

Knee surgery in Edmonton | Knee surgery in Edmonton | Knee surgery in Edmonton