Knee Rehab – Tabbed Exercise Library

Dr Srinivas B S Kambhampati

MS (Ortho), FRCS (Eng & Glasg), FRCS (Tr & Orth), Dip (Applied Biomechanics)

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sri Dhaatri Orthopaedic, Maternity & Gynaecology Center, Vijayawada

These are general knee exercise progressions that complement your specific condition protocols (ACL, TKR, meniscus, PFJ maltracking etc.). Keep exercises pain-controlled and follow any surgery-specific restrictions.

🟦 Early Phase (Pain & Swelling Control)

📌 Tips for this phase

Quad sets

Hold 5–10 seconds. Aim for visible kneecap lift. Frequent small doses work well.

SLR

Only if you can lock knee straight. If you get lag, reduce or return to quad sets first.

Heel slides

Gentle ROM only. Don’t force into pain; focus on smooth motion.

🟩 Strengthening & Neuromuscular Control

Useful for PFPS, ACL, and meniscal rehab: build quad + hip strength and improve knee mechanics.

📌 Key coaching cues

Knee tracking

Keep knee over 2nd toe; avoid dynamic valgus collapse.

Hip strength

Clams/abduction reduce PFPS overload by improving femoral control.

Range

Stay in pain-free range early. Depth can increase as symptoms allow.

🟨 Proprioception & Balance

📌 Progressions

Make it harder

Eyes closed → head turns → unstable surface → dual-task drills.

Quality first

Keep pelvis level, avoid knee wobble, and maintain foot tripod.

Frequency

Short daily practice improves sensorimotor control quickly.

🟥 Functional / Advanced

Bridge to real-life function and sport return phases (as permitted by the condition-specific protocol).

📌 Readiness checks

Before agility

Minimal swelling, good single-leg control, and stable symptoms for ≥2 weeks.

Lunge progression

Start shallow and slow. Add depth only when pain-free and controlled.

Sport return

Follow ACL/meniscus protocols for timelines and hop/strength criteria.