Patellar Tendon Repair Starter Exercise Guide

1. Quad Sets

What it helps: Wakes up the quadriceps — the big thigh muscles that support and control your knee. Getting them firing is the foundation of a strong, steady leg.

How often: 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

1. Sit or lie with your leg straight.
2. Tighten the muscle on top of your thigh, pressing the back of your knee down.
3. Hold briefly, then relax.

2. Patellar Mobilization

What it helps: Stops the kneecap becoming tethered by scar tissue after surgery. A kneecap that does not glide blocks both full straightening and full bending, so this quietly protects the range of motion you are working for.

How often: 2 sets of 10 in each direction, daily.

1. Sit with your leg out straight and the thigh muscles completely relaxed.
2. Place your thumb and fingers on the edges of your kneecap.
3. Glide it gently toward the inside of the knee, hold briefly, then toward the outside.
4. Then glide it gently upward toward the thigh, and downward toward the shin.
5. Move slowly and only as far as it goes easily.

Tip: The thigh must be relaxed. A tightened quadriceps locks the kneecap and nothing will move.

3. Straight Leg Raises

What it helps: Builds quad and hip strength while the knee stays straight, so the muscle works hard without stressing the joint.

How often: 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

1. Lie down with one leg bent and the other straight.
2. Tighten your thigh and lift the straight leg a few inches.
3. Lower slowly.

Tip: Keep the knee straight as you lift.

4. Heel Prop Quad Set

What it helps: Helps the knee settle out fully straight. Full extension is what lets you walk smoothly and stand without strain.

How often: 10 repetitions, several times a day.

1. Place your heel on a stool, pillow, or rolled towel.
2. Allow the knee to hang freely.
3. Tighten your thigh muscles and push the back of the knee downward.
4. Hold for 5-10 seconds.

Tip: Ice or a light weight may be added if instructed.

5. Walking Program

What it helps: Comfortable, frequent walking keeps the joints loose, builds your stamina, and rebuilds confidence on your feet. Little and often beats long and tiring.

How often: throughout the day.

1. Take short walks at a comfortable pace.
2. Increase your distance gradually as you feel able.

Tip: Use your assistive device as directed.

6. Ankle Pumps

What it helps: Keeps blood moving to reduce swelling and the risk of clots while you're less active — small, frequent, and important early on.

How often: 20 repetitions, several times a day.

1. Flex your foot up, pointing your toes toward the ceiling.
2. Point your toes down, away from your body.

Tip: Move slowly and with control.

7. Glute Squeezes

What it helps: Wakes up the glutes — the big muscles that steady and support your hip. Getting them firing again is the first step toward a hip that feels stronger and carries you with less strain on the joint.

How often: 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

1. Lie or sit comfortably.
2. Squeeze your buttock muscles together.
3. Hold a few seconds, then relax.

8. Isometric Hip Abduction

What it helps: Holding a steady contraction loads the side-hip tendons gently — it often eases pain while it begins rebuilding their strength. A calm, controlled first step before adding moving loads.

How often: 4–5 holds sets of Hold 30–45 seconds, daily.

1. Sit tall (or lie on your back) with a looped band around the outside of your knees — or simply use your hands on the outside of your knees for resistance.
2. Press your knees gently outward against the band or your hands.
3. Hold a firm but comfortable push — steady, no movement — then slowly relax.
4. Rest a moment and repeat.

Tip: You should feel the muscles on the side of the hip working — not your hip pain. Ease the effort if it provokes the sore spot.

Recovery reading

• ACL Surgery Recovery
• Meniscus Surgery Recovery
• Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
• Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
• All Sports Medicine recovery guides