Post Operative Knee Arthroscopy Home Exercise Program

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

A home exercise program from Dr. Shayne Kelly, fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon.

Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team’s directions. In an emergency, call 911.

Exercises

Ankle Pump Repeat 10-15 times. Do 3-5 times per day

While your leg is elevated, pull your toes up toward your head as far as you can, then point them down as far as you can.

Seated Towel Stretch Hold 30-60 seconds. Repeat 2 times

Place a towel or belt around your toes. Use your hands to gently pull the towel toward you to feel a stretch in your lower leg.

Seated Quad Set Hold 1-2 seconds. Repeat 10-15 times

Prop your heels on the wall. Tighten your quads, as if to lock your knees.

Knee Extension Stretch Hold stretch for 60 seconds. Repeat 10 times

Prop your heel on a towel roll and tighten the quad to stretch the back of the knee. You may also rest your leg in this position for a long stretch.

Short Arc Quad Repeat 10-15 times. Do 2 sets

Lie on your back with a pillow or ball under your knee. Tighten your thigh and lift your ankle off the ground to straighten your knee. Hold 1-2 seconds. Slowly lower back down.

Gravity Assisted Knee Flexion Repeat 10-15 times. Do 2 sets

Sit at the edge of a chair or bed with your injured leg supported on top of the other leg. Relaxing the injured leg, use the other leg to slowly lower your foot to bend your injured knee. Hold this position for 3-5 seconds. Raise the leg back up, allowing the injured leg to relax.

When to call

Call Dr. Kelly’s office at (509) 460-5588 for fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, pain that is worsening instead of improving, or new numbness or tingling. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.

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