Exercises to Avoid After Knee Replacement: Protect Your New Knee and Recover Safely

Written by Pooja Rawat, Medical Content Writer

Posted On: 10 Aug 2026,

Introduction

Recovering from knee replacement surgery is not only about the exercises you do but also about the movements you avoid. Exercises after knee replacement surgery play a significant role in the healing process. However, some activities may put too much pressure on your knee, which may delay the healing or damage the knee replacement. Knowing which exercises to avoid, when to start exercising, and how to follow your rehabilitation plan can help you heal properly and prevent complications.

Why Is Exercise Important After Knee Replacement?

Physical therapy and the right knee replacement exercises are necessary after knee replacement surgery. For instance, the following exercises can help you:

• Regain flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles around your knee
• Reduce stiffness and swelling
• Improve balance and coordination
• Help you return to normal activities

Which Exercises Should You Avoid After Knee Replacement?

Some exercises after knee replacement surgery are not recommended after knee replacement surgery. For instance, you should avoid high-impact exercises such as:

• Running or jogging
• Jumping exercises
• High-impact aerobics
• Skipping rope

These activities can put too much stress on your knee, which could damage the knee implant. You should also avoid deep squats as much as possible. Deep squats can put a lot of pressure on your knee, especially when your knee is still healing. Instead, you can do partial squats when your physiotherapist allows you to do so. Lunges are also among the exercises you should avoid after surgery. You should wait until you have developed enough strength and balance to do lunges without putting too much pressure on your knee or risking a fall.

Exercises that involve twisting your knee should also be avoided after knee replacement surgery. For instance, you should avoid:

• Tennis
• Basketball
• Pivoting and twisting movements
• Dancing

These movements can put too much stress on your knee. You should also avoid heavy weightlifting as much as possible, especially in the early stages of recovery. Heavy weightlifting can put too much stress on your knee and surrounding muscles. So, it is essential to talk to your physiotherapist about when to start resistance training after knee replacement surgery.

What Are the Recommended Exercises After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Several exercises for knee replacement post-surgery are recommended to promote healing and restore function. Some of these include:

• Ankle pumps
• Heel slides
• Quadriceps sets
• Straight leg raises
• Assisted knee bends
• Walking
• Stationary cycling

After Knee Replacement Two Critical Exercises

Most rehab professionals agree that after knee replacement two critical exercises are the best knee exercises in the early stages of recovery. These knee exercises after knee replacement include quadriceps sets and heel slides.

Quadriceps Sets

Quadriceps sets are excellent exercises for knee replacement post-surgery because they help strengthen the thigh muscles. To do this:

• Lie down with your leg straight
• Raise your thigh by tightening the thigh muscles
• Hold the position for 5 to 10 seconds
• Repeat this knee exercise after knee replacement 10 to 15 times

Heel Slides

Heel slides are another crucial knee exercise after knee replacement surgery. Heel slides can help you regain motion and flexibility in your knee. To do heel slides:

• Lie down on your back
• Slowly slide your heel toward your body until you feel a stretch in your knee
• Stop when you feel discomfort
• Hold the position for a while before sliding your heel back to the starting position

After knee replacement two critical exercises are recommended for people with knee replacements because they promote healing and restore motion and flexibility. Most rehabilitation professionals consider these knee exercises after knee replacement as the best knee exercises in the early stages of recovery.

When Can You Resume Exercising After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Most people can start walking a few days after knee replacement surgery. However, it can take several weeks or months before you can resume more strenuous activities such as running or weightlifting. The exact timeline depends on your age, general health, and how well your knee heals after surgery. For instance, swimming or stationary biking may be recommended after your knee has healed sufficiently. However, it is best to talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about when it is safe to resume exercising after knee replacement surgery.

Tips for Exercising After Knee Replacement Surgery

The following tips can help make exercising after knee replacement surgery safe and effective:

• Warm up before exercising
• Avoid exercising when you are in pain
• Avoid twisting or putting too much pressure on your knee
• Do not do too many repetitions at a time
• Wear appropriate clothing and shoes
• Follow your physiotherapist’s advice
• Attend all your follow-up appointments

According to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), you should not rush the rehabilitation process. Instead, the recovery and healing process should be individualized depending on your progress. In other words, everyone heals at a different pace, so it is essential to do the knee exercises after knee replacement surgery that your physiotherapist recommends.

Warning Signs That You Should Stop Exercising After Knee Replacement Surgery

You should stop exercising and see your doctor if you experience any of the following after knee replacement surgery:

• Increased knee swelling
• Severe pain
• Redness or warmth around the surgical site
• Feeling unstable on your knee
• Inability to put weight on the knee
• Fever or fluid discharge from the surgical site

These are some of the warning signs that indicate that something is wrong. So, it is essential to stop exercising and see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.

Can You Prevent Injury to Your New Knee?

You can prevent injury to your new knee by taking good care of it. For instance, you should:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat healthy foods
• Avoid putting too much stress on your knee
• Avoid exercising on hard surfaces
• Do not do high-impact activities such as jumping
• Build muscle mass to provide your knee with enough support
• Use assistive devices when necessary

Your Next Step After Knee Replacement Surgery

Recovering from knee replacement surgery is not only about the knee replacement exercises but also about the activities you avoid. So, if you have questions about which knee exercises after replacement surgery are appropriate for your stage of healing, talk to your orthopaedic surgeon or physiotherapist. A good rehab program can help you get back to your daily activities while keeping your knee healthy and strong.

FAQs

Q1: What exercises should be avoided after knee replacement?
A: The following exercises should be avoided after knee replacement surgery are High-impact activities, Deep squats, Jumping, Running, Exercises that involve twisting your knee and Heavy weightlifting

Q2: When can I start exercising knee exercises after knee replacement surgery?
A: Most people start exercising after knee replacement surgery the day after surgery. However, it is essential to talk to your physiotherapist about which knee exercises after knee replacement surgery are appropriate for you.

Q3: Are knee replacement exercises necessary even if I feel better?
A: Yes, knee replacement exercises are essential even if you feel better. Exercises can help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion while minimizing the risk of complications.

Q4: Can I return to sports after knee replacement?
A: Yes, you can return to sports after knee replacement surgery. However, it is best to talk to your orthopedic surgeon about which sports are appropriate for you. For instance, you may be able to resume low-impact sports such as walking, swimming, and cycling after knee replacement surgery.