Total Knee Arthroplasty — Complete Exercise Program

Looking for a shorter starting point? The Total Knee Arthroplasty starter guide covers the first 8 exercises on a printable sheet.

A phase-by-phase exercise program used in recovery for total knee arthroplasty. Each movement includes what it's working on and how it's typically performed. Your own surgeon's or therapist's guidance always comes first.

Before surgery

Low-Impact Conditioning

Easy on the joints, builds the endurance that speeds recovery.

What it helps: Keeps your heart and muscles working with activities that stay gentle on the joints — fitness without the pounding.

  1. Pick a comfortable activity: walking, stationary bike, cycling, elliptical, swimming, or rowing.
  2. Warm up 10-15 minutes before your exercises.
  3. Build toward 20-30 minutes as you're able.

Tips:

  • Choose what you enjoy — consistency matters more than intensity.

Commonly done most days.

Walking Program

Walking Program exercise illustration

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Ankle Pumps

Ankle Pumps exercise illustration

Improves circulation and helps reduce swelling.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Move slowly and with control.

Commonly done as 20 repetitions, several times a day.

Quad Sets

Quad Sets exercise illustration

Re-activates the thigh muscle and supports knee control.

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.

  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.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Glute Squeezes

Glute Squeezes exercise illustration

Gently re-engages the buttock muscles.

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.

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

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Heel Slides

Heel Slides exercise illustration

Encourages early, gentle knee motion.

What it helps: Coaxes gentle bending back into the knee — restoring the motion you need for stairs, sitting, and getting in and out of a car.

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
  2. Slowly slide your heel toward you, bending the knee.
  3. Slide it back down.

Tips:

  • Only go as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight Leg Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the thigh while protecting the joint.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Keep the knee straight as you lift.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring Stretch exercise illustration

Keeps the back of the thigh flexible.

What it helps: Keeps the back of the thigh flexible so the knee moves freely and your stride stays comfortable.

  1. Lie on your back, or sit with the leg extended.
  2. Gently bring the straight leg toward you until you feel a stretch behind the thigh.
  3. Hold, then relax.

Tips:

  • A towel looped around the thigh can help. Hold 20-30 seconds.

Commonly done as 4-5 repetitions, daily.

Biceps Curls (Upper Body)

Biceps Curls (Upper Body) exercise illustration

Builds the arm strength you'll use for a walker or crutches after surgery.

What it helps: Builds the arm strength you rely on for lifting and carrying — and for managing crutches or a walker.

  1. Sit tall or stand with your elbow close to your side.
  2. Bend your elbow, bringing your hand toward your shoulder.
  3. Lower slowly with control.

Tips:

  • A light weight or a can of soup works well. Keep your wrist straight.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 5-10, daily.

Low-Impact Conditioning

Easy on the joints, builds the endurance that speeds recovery.

What it helps: Keeps your heart and muscles working with activities that stay gentle on the joints — fitness without the pounding.

  1. Pick a comfortable activity: walking, stationary bike, cycling, elliptical, swimming, or rowing.
  2. Warm up 10-15 minutes before your exercises.
  3. Build toward 20-30 minutes as you're able.

Tips:

  • Choose what you enjoy — consistency matters more than intensity.

Commonly done most days.

Quad Sets

Quad Sets exercise illustration

Re-activates the thigh muscle and supports knee control.

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.

  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.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Short Arc Quad

Strengthens the muscle that straightens the knee.

What it helps: Strengthens the quadriceps that straighten your knee — the muscle that keeps the knee stable and stops it buckling under you.

  1. Lie on your back with a rolled towel or foam roll under your thigh.
  2. Straighten your knee by lifting your foot, keeping the thigh resting on the roll.
  3. Hold briefly, then lower slowly.

Tips:

  • Keep the back of your thigh on the roll throughout.

Commonly done as 20 repetitions, 1-2x daily.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight Leg Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the thigh while protecting the joint.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Keep the knee straight as you lift.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Heel Slides

Heel Slides exercise illustration

Encourages early, gentle knee motion.

What it helps: Coaxes gentle bending back into the knee — restoring the motion you need for stairs, sitting, and getting in and out of a car.

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
  2. Slowly slide your heel toward you, bending the knee.
  3. Slide it back down.

Tips:

  • Only go as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Seated Assisted Knee Bend

Seated Assisted Knee Bend exercise illustration

Gently improves how far the knee can bend — often the most important early flexion exercise.

What it helps: Gently improves how far the knee bends — early flexion that makes stairs, chairs, and cars far easier.

  1. Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor.
  2. Place your non-operative leg in front of the operative leg.
  3. Use the non-operative leg to gently help bend the operative knee further.
  4. Hold briefly, then relax.

Tips:

  • Go only as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 5-10 repetitions, every 1-2 hours while awake.

Standing Hamstring Curls

Standing Hamstring Curls exercise illustration

Strengthens the muscles at the back of the thigh.

What it helps: Strengthens the hamstrings at the back of the thigh that balance the quad and help steady the knee.

  1. Stand holding a counter.
  2. Bend your knee, bringing your heel toward your buttock.
  3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Hip Abduction & Adduction (Lying)

Hip Abduction & Adduction (Lying) exercise illustration

Works the muscles on the inside and outside of the hip and thigh.

What it helps: Gently strengthens the inner and outer hip muscles while lying down — easy, supported work that steadies the joint without loading it.

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
  2. Slide your leg out to the side, keeping your toes pointed up.
  3. Slide it back to the center.

Tips:

  • Keep your kneecap pointing toward the ceiling.

Commonly done as 20 repetitions, 1-2x daily.

Heel Raises

Heel Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the calf and improves balance.

What it helps: Strengthens the calf and steadies your balance, rebuilding the push-off that drives walking.

  1. Stand holding a counter.
  2. Rise up onto your toes.
  3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Biceps Curls (Upper Body)

Biceps Curls (Upper Body) exercise illustration

Builds the arm strength you'll use for a walker or crutches after surgery.

What it helps: Builds the arm strength you rely on for lifting and carrying — and for managing crutches or a walker.

  1. Sit tall or stand with your elbow close to your side.
  2. Bend your elbow, bringing your hand toward your shoulder.
  3. Lower slowly with control.

Tips:

  • A light weight or a can of soup works well. Keep your wrist straight.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 5-10, daily.

Seated Press-Up

Seated Press-Up exercise illustration

Builds the arm and shoulder strength to push up from a chair.

What it helps: Builds the arm and shoulder strength to push yourself up from a chair — everyday independence.

  1. Sit in a sturdy chair with armrests.
  2. Place your palms on the armrests and press down to lift your hips off the seat.
  3. Hold a few seconds, then lower slowly.

Tips:

  • Start with what's comfortable and build up.

Commonly done as 5-10 repetitions, daily.

Low-Impact Conditioning

Easy on the joints, builds the endurance that speeds recovery.

What it helps: Keeps your heart and muscles working with activities that stay gentle on the joints — fitness without the pounding.

  1. Pick a comfortable activity: walking, stationary bike, cycling, elliptical, swimming, or rowing.
  2. Warm up 10-15 minutes before your exercises.
  3. Build toward 20-30 minutes as you're able.

Tips:

  • Choose what you enjoy — consistency matters more than intensity.

Commonly done most days.

Short Arc Quad

Strengthens the muscle that straightens the knee.

What it helps: Strengthens the quadriceps that straighten your knee — the muscle that keeps the knee stable and stops it buckling under you.

  1. Lie on your back with a rolled towel or foam roll under your thigh.
  2. Straighten your knee by lifting your foot, keeping the thigh resting on the roll.
  3. Hold briefly, then lower slowly.

Tips:

  • Keep the back of your thigh on the roll throughout.

Commonly done as 20 repetitions, 1-2x daily.

Terminal Knee Extensions

Terminal Knee Extensions exercise illustration

Strengthens the muscles that straighten the knee.

What it helps: Trains the quad to lock the knee out fully straight — the strength you rely on every time you stand and step.

  1. Loop a band behind your knee.
  2. Straighten the knee against the band.
  3. Return slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Sit-to-Stand

Sit-to-Stand exercise illustration

Builds the strength and confidence to rise from a chair.

What it helps: Trains the exact strength you use to rise from a chair, a toilet, or a car. Stronger here means more independence and less of a struggle on tough days.

  1. Sit at the edge of a sturdy chair.
  2. Lean slightly forward and stand up.
  3. Lower yourself back down with control.

Tips:

  • Use your arms for support as needed.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 8-10, once or twice a day.

Mini Squats

Mini Squats exercise illustration

Builds leg strength through a comfortable range.

What it helps: Builds hip and leg strength through a comfortable range, so everyday moves — sitting, standing, bending — take less out of your joints.

  1. Stand holding a counter.
  2. Bend your knees a small amount, keeping them behind your toes.
  3. Return to standing.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Step-Ups

Step-Ups exercise illustration

Builds strength for stairs and daily activity.

What it helps: Builds the leg and hip strength — and the control — for stairs, curbs, and everyday activity.

  1. Step up onto a low step with your operative leg.
  2. Step back down with control.

Tips:

  • Hold a rail for balance.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Single-Leg Balance

Single-Leg Balance exercise illustration

Improves balance and stability.

What it helps: Trains your hip and leg to stay steady when all your weight is on one side — which is most of walking. Better balance means a surer, more confident step.

  1. Stand near a counter for safety.
  2. Lift one foot and balance on the other leg.
  3. Hold as able.

Commonly done daily.

Standing Hip Abduction

Standing Hip Abduction exercise illustration

Strengthens the muscles on the side of the hip.

What it helps: Strengthens the outer-hip muscles that hold you steady whenever you're on one leg — which is every step you take. Stronger here, steadier hip.

  1. Stand holding a counter for support.
  2. Lift your leg out to the side, keeping it straight.
  3. Lower slowly.

Tips:

  • Keep your toes pointing forward.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, 1-2x daily.

Assisted Knee Extension Stretch

Assisted Knee Extension Stretch exercise illustration

Helps the knee straighten fully.

What it helps: Gently coaxes the knee toward fully straight — important for a normal, efficient stride.

  1. Support your heel on a rolled towel.
  2. Let the knee relax downward toward straight.

Commonly done as directed.

Biceps Curls (Upper Body)

Biceps Curls (Upper Body) exercise illustration

Builds the arm strength you'll use for a walker or crutches after surgery.

What it helps: Builds the arm strength you rely on for lifting and carrying — and for managing crutches or a walker.

  1. Sit tall or stand with your elbow close to your side.
  2. Bend your elbow, bringing your hand toward your shoulder.
  3. Lower slowly with control.

Tips:

  • A light weight or a can of soup works well. Keep your wrist straight.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 5-10, daily.

Seated Press-Up

Seated Press-Up exercise illustration

Builds the arm and shoulder strength to push up from a chair.

What it helps: Builds the arm and shoulder strength to push yourself up from a chair — everyday independence.

  1. Sit in a sturdy chair with armrests.
  2. Place your palms on the armrests and press down to lift your hips off the seat.
  3. Hold a few seconds, then lower slowly.

Tips:

  • Start with what's comfortable and build up.

Commonly done as 5-10 repetitions, daily.

Phase 1

Ankle Pumps

Ankle Pumps exercise illustration

Improves circulation and helps reduce swelling.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Move slowly and with control.

Commonly done as 20 repetitions, several times a day.

Quad Sets

Quad Sets exercise illustration

Re-activates the thigh muscle and supports knee control.

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.

  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.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Glute Squeezes

Glute Squeezes exercise illustration

Gently re-engages the buttock muscles.

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.

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

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Heel Slides

Heel Slides exercise illustration

Encourages early, gentle knee motion.

What it helps: Coaxes gentle bending back into the knee — restoring the motion you need for stairs, sitting, and getting in and out of a car.

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
  2. Slowly slide your heel toward you, bending the knee.
  3. Slide it back down.

Tips:

  • Only go as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Assisted Knee Extension Stretch

Assisted Knee Extension Stretch exercise illustration

Helps the knee straighten fully.

What it helps: Gently coaxes the knee toward fully straight — important for a normal, efficient stride.

  1. Support your heel on a rolled towel.
  2. Let the knee relax downward toward straight.

Commonly done as directed.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight Leg Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the thigh while protecting the joint.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Keep the knee straight as you lift.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Walking Program

Walking Program exercise illustration

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Phase 2

Seated Assisted Knee Bend

Seated Assisted Knee Bend exercise illustration

Gently improves how far the knee can bend — often the most important early flexion exercise.

What it helps: Gently improves how far the knee bends — early flexion that makes stairs, chairs, and cars far easier.

  1. Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor.
  2. Place your non-operative leg in front of the operative leg.
  3. Use the non-operative leg to gently help bend the operative knee further.
  4. Hold briefly, then relax.

Tips:

  • Go only as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 5-10 repetitions, every 1-2 hours while awake.

Heel Prop Quad Set

Heel Prop Quad Set exercise illustration

Helps the knee straighten fully — your main extension exercise.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Ice or a light weight may be added if instructed.

Commonly done as 10 repetitions, several times a day.

Heel Slides

Heel Slides exercise illustration

Encourages early, gentle knee motion.

What it helps: Coaxes gentle bending back into the knee — restoring the motion you need for stairs, sitting, and getting in and out of a car.

  1. Lie on your back with your legs straight.
  2. Slowly slide your heel toward you, bending the knee.
  3. Slide it back down.

Tips:

  • Only go as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a day.

Stationary Bike

Stationary Bike exercise illustration

Builds motion and endurance with low impact.

What it helps: Keeps the joints moving and nourished while you build endurance — all with no pounding. One of the gentlest ways to stay active when a joint is sore.

  1. Set the seat so pedaling is comfortable.
  2. Pedal at an easy pace.
  3. Increase your time gradually.

Commonly done as directed.

Straight Leg Raises

Straight Leg Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the thigh while protecting the joint.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Keep the knee straight as you lift.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Terminal Knee Extensions

Terminal Knee Extensions exercise illustration

Strengthens the muscles that straighten the knee.

What it helps: Trains the quad to lock the knee out fully straight — the strength you rely on every time you stand and step.

  1. Loop a band behind your knee.
  2. Straighten the knee against the band.
  3. Return slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Standing Hamstring Curls

Standing Hamstring Curls exercise illustration

Strengthens the muscles at the back of the thigh.

What it helps: Strengthens the hamstrings at the back of the thigh that balance the quad and help steady the knee.

  1. Stand holding a counter.
  2. Bend your knee, bringing your heel toward your buttock.
  3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Heel Raises

Heel Raises exercise illustration

Strengthens the calf and improves balance.

What it helps: Strengthens the calf and steadies your balance, rebuilding the push-off that drives walking.

  1. Stand holding a counter.
  2. Rise up onto your toes.
  3. Lower slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, once or twice a day.

Step-Ups

Step-Ups exercise illustration

Builds strength for stairs and daily activity.

What it helps: Builds the leg and hip strength — and the control — for stairs, curbs, and everyday activity.

  1. Step up onto a low step with your operative leg.
  2. Step back down with control.

Tips:

  • Hold a rail for balance.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Balance Exercises

Balance Exercises exercise illustration

General balance work to steady your gait.

What it helps: Steadies your gait and sharpens your balance, helping you move with confidence.

  1. Practice standing balance near support.
  2. Progress as you feel steady.

Commonly done daily.

Phase 3

Seated Assisted Knee Bend

Seated Assisted Knee Bend exercise illustration

Gently improves how far the knee can bend — often the most important early flexion exercise.

What it helps: Gently improves how far the knee bends — early flexion that makes stairs, chairs, and cars far easier.

  1. Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor.
  2. Place your non-operative leg in front of the operative leg.
  3. Use the non-operative leg to gently help bend the operative knee further.
  4. Hold briefly, then relax.

Tips:

  • Go only as far as is comfortable.

Commonly done as 5-10 repetitions, every 1-2 hours while awake.

Heel Prop Quad Set

Heel Prop Quad Set exercise illustration

Helps the knee straighten fully — your main extension exercise.

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

  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.

Tips:

  • Ice or a light weight may be added if instructed.

Commonly done as 10 repetitions, several times a day.

Stationary Bike

Stationary Bike exercise illustration

Builds motion and endurance with low impact.

What it helps: Keeps the joints moving and nourished while you build endurance — all with no pounding. One of the gentlest ways to stay active when a joint is sore.

  1. Set the seat so pedaling is comfortable.
  2. Pedal at an easy pace.
  3. Increase your time gradually.

Commonly done as directed.

Leg Press

Leg Press exercise illustration

Builds leg strength with adjustable resistance.

What it helps: Builds solid leg and hip strength with resistance you can dial precisely to your comfort.

  1. Start with light resistance.
  2. Press through your whole foot.
  3. Return slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, a few times a week.

Box Squats

Box Squats exercise illustration

Strengthens the legs with a controlled depth.

What it helps: Builds leg strength to a controlled, comfortable depth — strength you can trust without overloading the joint.

  1. Stand in front of a sturdy chair or box.
  2. Lower until you lightly touch, then stand.

Tips:

  • Keep good form throughout.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a week.

Step-Ups & Step-Downs

Step-Ups & Step-Downs exercise illustration

Advances stair strength and control.

What it helps: Advances your stair strength and the control to come down as confidently as you go up.

  1. Step up onto a step, then step down slowly.
  2. Control the lowering phase.

Tips:

  • Hold a rail for balance.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, once or twice a day.

Resistance Band Strengthening

Resistance Band Strengthening exercise illustration

Adds gentle resistance to build strength.

What it helps: Adds gentle, adjustable resistance to build strength steadily as you recover.

  1. Use a band for hip or leg exercises as directed.
  2. Move slowly through the range.

Commonly done a few times a week.

Core Strengthening

Core Strengthening exercise illustration

Supports posture and overall stability.

What it helps: Builds the core that holds your trunk steady, supporting your posture, your back, and everything you do on your feet.

  1. Perform gentle core exercises as directed.

Commonly done a few times a week.

Walking Program

Walking Program exercise illustration

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Phase 4

Progressive Strengthening

Progressive Strengthening exercise illustration

Gradually increases strength as you recover.

What it helps: Gradually raises the challenge as you get stronger, so your body keeps adapting and improving rather than plateauing.

Commonly done as directed.

Leg Press

Leg Press exercise illustration

Builds leg strength with adjustable resistance.

What it helps: Builds solid leg and hip strength with resistance you can dial precisely to your comfort.

  1. Start with light resistance.
  2. Press through your whole foot.
  3. Return slowly.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10-15, a few times a week.

Box Squats

Box Squats exercise illustration

Strengthens the legs with a controlled depth.

What it helps: Builds leg strength to a controlled, comfortable depth — strength you can trust without overloading the joint.

  1. Stand in front of a sturdy chair or box.
  2. Lower until you lightly touch, then stand.

Tips:

  • Keep good form throughout.

Commonly done as 2-3 sets of 10, a few times a week.

Stair Training

Stair Training exercise illustration

Practices safe, confident stair use.

What it helps: Practices safe, confident stair use — strength and control for one of the most demanding everyday tasks.

  1. Practice going up and down stairs with a rail.
  2. Lead as directed by your therapist.

Commonly done as directed.

Cycling

Cycling exercise illustration

Low-impact endurance and motion.

What it helps: Low-impact endurance that keeps the joints moving smoothly while you build fitness — easy on the body, good for the long run.

Commonly done as able.

Swimming

Swimming exercise illustration

Low-impact, full-body conditioning.

What it helps: Full-body conditioning with the water carrying your weight, so your muscles work hard with almost no load on the joints.

Commonly done as able.

Elliptical Trainer

Elliptical Trainer exercise illustration

Low-impact cardio that is easy on the joints.

What it helps: Low-impact cardio that builds endurance and keeps the legs moving while staying easy on the joints.

Commonly done as able.

Walking Program

Walking Program exercise illustration

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Balance & Proprioception Drills

Balance & Proprioception Drills exercise illustration

Sharpens balance and joint awareness.

What it helps: Sharpens your sense of where your joints are in space — the control that keeps you steady and prevents missteps.

Commonly done a few times a week.

Phase 5

Walking Program

Walking Program exercise illustration

Short, frequent walks build endurance and confidence.

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.

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

Tips:

  • Use your assistive device as directed.

Commonly done throughout the day.

Cycling

Cycling exercise illustration

Low-impact endurance and motion.

What it helps: Low-impact endurance that keeps the joints moving smoothly while you build fitness — easy on the body, good for the long run.

Commonly done as able.

Swimming

Swimming exercise illustration

Low-impact, full-body conditioning.

What it helps: Full-body conditioning with the water carrying your weight, so your muscles work hard with almost no load on the joints.

Commonly done as able.

Strength Training

Strength Training exercise illustration

Maintains and builds long-term strength.

What it helps: Builds and maintains long-term strength to keep you active, resilient, and independent.

Commonly done a few times a week.

Flexibility Exercises

Flexibility Exercises exercise illustration

Maintains a comfortable range of motion.

What it helps: Keeps your joints and muscles moving through a comfortable range, so you stay supple and move with ease.

Commonly done most days.

Balance Training

Balance Training exercise illustration

Ongoing balance work for steady movement.

What it helps: Sharpens your steadiness and reactions so you move with confidence and lower your risk of a fall — protecting the progress you've made.

Commonly done a few times a week.

Low-Impact Recreational Activities

Low-Impact Recreational Activities exercise illustration

Enjoyable activities that protect your joint.

What it helps: Getting back to the activities you enjoy in ways that are kind to your joints — the whole point of building this strength.

Commonly done as you like.

Recovery reading

Browse all exercise guides · Condition guides · Recovery education library

These are general exercise guides, not a personal prescription. The repetitions and frequency shown are what's commonly used — your own surgeon or therapist may advise something different, and their guidance comes first.