The knee is one of the most complex and integral joints in the body, so it’s no wonder pain in that area of the body can really set you back. Whether due to injury, overuse, or just grinding down over the years, knee pain can become chronic and unbearable. Literally, you cannot bear the weight of standing for too long when the pain gets so bad. In these cases, knee replacement surgery is a viable option, and the strength training that follows surgery is an important part of recovery and maintaining orthopedic health.

One of the main reasons people decide to undergo knee replacement surgery is to relieve chronic pain. However, did you know that many patients still have chronic pain after knee replacement surgery? Studies have shown, that if you want to eliminate pain overall, a knee replacement is not the only option, but in many cases the damage is done, and that damaged area needs to be replaced.

After recovering from surgery, while you may be tempted to cite your knee pain as a good reason to take some time off from the gym, it’s actually important to keep moving and exercising. After surgery and surgical recovery, a physical therapist can put together a strength training program just for you.

After knee replacement surgery, once you return back home, your doctor will want you to build strength, and improve mobility. This will help increase your function and activity level, hopefully more than it was when your knee pain precipitated the need for surgery.

An exercise regimen will help strengthen the weakened muscles in your knees, with the goal of creating a properly supportive and stabilizing muscle network for your knees. Your successful recovery will depend on your rehabilitation and dedication to your physical therapy. It is recommended by doctors to exercise at least two to three times a day. Doing reps of ten of the following exercises will help relieve your chronic pain:

1. Straight or Side Leg Raises

2. Knee Flexes

3. Hamstring Curls

4. Wall squats

5. Calf Raises

6. Step-Ups

7. Leg Presses

Note, that it is important to listen to your doctor and do these exercises within moderation, and to the best of your ability. The best thing to do is keep your knee moving and flexible, and strengthen your muscles that support the knees. Don’t take the list literally and do reps of ten for each exercise down the line, rather take it as a suggestion of the different exercises that the physical therapist will have you do.