Prehabilitation Strengthening Exercises for Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Fitness professionals may work in concert with a physical therapist to encourage a client to engage in “prehab” to maintain or enhance his strength preoperatively for knee or hip arthroplasty (Shakoor et al. 2010). Pain is often a limiting factor, and it may be difficult for the client to participate in even the most basic daily activities. Below are a few suggested exercises.

KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Isometric quadriceps sets. Lie on back with legs extended. Tighten quads and push knee into mat/surface. Hold 10 seconds. Do 10 repetitions, 5 times per day.

Isometric hamstrings sets. Lie on back with knee bent comfortably to ~60 degrees, heel on floor, toes pointed toward ceiling. Tighten hamstrings and push heel into mat/surface. Hold 10 seconds. Do 10 repetitions, 5 times per day.

Straight-leg raises. Lie on back with unaffected knee bent, foot flat. Lift affected leg ~12 inches from floor, keeping ankle dorsi-flexed. Hold 5 seconds. Do 10 repetitions, 3 times per day.

HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Isometric hamstrings sets. See above.

Gluteal sets. Lie on back with legs extended. Tighten gluteal
muscles. Hold 10 seconds. Do 10 repetitions, 5 times per day.

Straight-leg raises. See above.

To view the full article which ran in the November 2014 issue of the IDEA Fitness Journal click here.