Knee Stretches – Basic Exercise

Knee Bend to Straighten 

Bend and straighten your knee as far as possible and comfortable pain free (figure 1). Repeat 10 - 20 times.

Figure 1 – Knee Bend to Straighten

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Knee Stretches – Advanced Exercises

Quadriceps Stretch 

Use a chair or table for balance. Take your heel towards your bottom, keeping your knees together and your back straight until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh (figure 2). Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch pain-free.

Figure 2 – Quadriceps Stretch

Hamstring Stretch 

Place your foot on a step or chair. Keep your knee and back straight, lean forward at your hips until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh / knee (figure 3). Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch pain-free.

Figure 3 – Hamstring Stretch

Calf Stretch 

With your hands against the wall, place your leg to be stretched behind you as demonstrated (figure 4). Keep your heel down, knee straight and feet pointing forwards. Gently lunge forwards until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf / knee. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat 4 times at a mild to moderate stretch pain-free.

Figure 4 – Calf Stretch

Knee Strengthening – Basic Exercises

To begin with, the following basic knee strengthening exercises should be performed approximately 10 times, 3 times daily. As your knee strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions and strength of contraction provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Static Inner Quadriceps Contraction 

Tighten the muscle at the front of your thigh (quadriceps) by pushing your knee down into a towel (figure 1). Put your fingers on your inner quadriceps (VMO - vastus medialis obliquus) to feel the muscle tighten during contraction. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible pain free.

Figure 1 – Static Inner Quadriceps Contraction

Quads Over Fulcrum 

Begin this exercise lying on your back with a rolled towel or foam roll under your knee and your knee relaxed (figure 2). Slowly straighten your knee as far as possible tightening the front of your thigh (quadriceps). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible pain free.

Figure 2 – Quads Over Fulcrum

Static Hamstring Contraction 

Begin this exercise in sitting with your knee bent to about 45 degrees (figure 3). Press your heel into the floor tightening the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible pain free.

Figure 3 – Static Hamstring Contraction

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Knee Strengthening – Intermediate Exercises

The following intermediate knee strengthening exercises should generally be performed 1 - 3 times per week provided they do not cause or increase pain. Ideally they should not be performed on consecutive days, to allow muscle recovery. As your knee strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions, number of sets or resistance of the exercises provided they do not cause or increase pain. 

Resistance Band Knee Extension in Sitting 

Begin this exercise in sitting with your knee bent and a resistance band tied around your ankle as shown (figure 4). Keeping your back straight, slowly straighten your knee tightening the front of your thigh (quadriceps). Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided it is pain free.

Figure 4 – Resistance Band Knee Extension in Sitting

Resistance Band Hamstring Curl

Begin this exercise lying on your stomach with a resistance band tied around your ankle as shown (figure 5). Slowly bend your knee tightening the back of your thigh (hamstrings). Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Figure 5 – Resistance Band Hamstring Curl

Squat with Swiss Ball 

Begin this exercise in standing with your feet shoulder width apart, your feet facing forwards and a Swiss ball placed between a wall and your lower back (figure 6). Slowly perform a squat, keeping your back straight. Your knees should be in line with your middle toes and should not move forward past your toes. Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Figure 6 – Squat with Swiss Ball