Knee Rehabilitation: Straight Leg Raises

Begin your rehabilitation with exercises that develop muscle control. These help you meet basic goals, like driving a car or going back to work. Exercise as often as you’re advised. But stop right away if any exercise causes sharp or increasing pain. Icing your knee after exercise can help prevent swelling and soreness. Ice for  15 to 20 minutes, or as directed by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.

• Sit or lie on the floor with your injured leg straight and the other leg bent. Point the toes on your injured leg straight up.

• Tighten your thigh muscles then raise your injured leg a few inches off the floor.

• Hold for  10 seconds. Repeat  5 times or as directed by your physical therapist. Rest for a minute, and then do another set. Do 2 to 3 sessions per day.

Note: Do this exercise with toes turned out to strengthen inner thigh muscles.