Improving Knee Flexion Range of Motion after Injury or Surgery (ACL, Meniscus, Knee Replacement)

Summary by Krater

This physical therapy tutorial explains how to assess and improve knee flexion range of motion following an injury or surgery using self-assessment options, stationary bikes, heel slides, kneeling progressions, and squatting exercises.

From the video

Answers: How do I improve my knee flexion range of motion after an injury or surgery?

• knee flexion range of motion
• knee self-assessment
• stationary bike for knee flexion
• heel slides for knee rehabilitation
• kneeling rock back progression
• squat progression for knee flexion
• dynamic couch stretch
• rear foot elevated split squat

Exercises

• Knee Flexion Self-Assessment (Supine) · bodyweight
• Knee Flexion Self-Assessment (Quadruped) · bodyweight
• Stationary Bike Partial Revolutions · stationary bike · 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times/day
• Stationary Bike Full Revolutions · stationary bike · 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times/day
• Heel Slides · slider, towel or sock · 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times/day
• Heel Slides Assisted · strap or towel, slider · 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times/day
• Quadruped Rock Backs · pad or pillow · 10-15 repetitions, 1-2 times/day
• Tall Kneeling Rock Back · pad or pillow, towel · 10-15 repetitions, 1-2 times/day
• Half Kneeling Rock Back · pad or pillow, towel · 10-15 repetitions, 1-2 times/day
• Assisted Squat · TRX, squat rack, or door frame · 6-10 repetitions as needed
• Heel Elevated Squat · slant board · 6-10 repetitions as needed
• Dynamic Couch Stretch · bench, pad · 10-15 repetitions as needed
• Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat · bench, pad, wall · 6-10 repetitions as needed

What it concludes

• Aim to restore full knee flexion range of motion, typically around 135 degrees, to match your uninvolved side after an injury or surgery.
• Use a stationary bike for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times a day as an easy starting point for introducing knee flexion.
• Perform heel slides for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 times a day as an alternative starting option if you do not have access to a bike.
• Keep pain tolerable during exercise and avoid increasing knee swelling or symptoms.
• Move within a comfortable range and progress as tolerated because recovery speed varies person to person.