Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the quadriceps muscles and hip flexors
Patient Position: Lie on your back with involved leg extended, toes pointed up, and opposite knee bent.
Exercise: Tighten front thigh muscles (quadriceps) and lift entire leg to the level of the opposite knee to a count of two (2). Hold this position for a count of two (2) and lower leg to a count of four (4)
Perform 4 sets of 25 repetitions
Add up to 5 lbs of weight to the lower leg to make the exercise more challenging
Quad Strengthening
Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the front thigh (quadriceps) muscles
Patient Position: Lie on your back, or recline on elbows, with a towel roll under knee
Exercise: Keeping the back of the knee on the towel roll, raise the lower portion of leg to where the knee is fully straight. Hold for a count of two (2) and lower to a count of four (4).
Perform 4 sets of 25 repetitions
Add up to 5 lbs of weight to the lower leg to make the exercise more challenging
Hamstring Stretch
Purpose of Exercise: Restore flexibility to the hamstring muscles
Patient Position: Sit on the edge of a table with one leg fully extended and the opposite foot resting on the floor.
Exercise: Keeping trunk upright, place hands along sides of leg, maintain a fully extended knee and keep toes pointing up. Slowly move forward, without
bending down, until a stretch is experienced in the back of your thigh.
Hold for 30 seconds to one (1) minute and repeat twice.
Thigh Stretch
Purpose of Exercise: To stretch the hip flexor muscles.
Patient Position: Lie on your back with lower legs hanging over edge of table.
Exercise: Bring both knees toward chest. Grasp one knee with both hands and lower opposite leg over edge of table until a stretch is experienced and return to starting position
Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 2 times.
Hip Strengthening 1
Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the outer thigh muscles
Patient Position: Lay on your side with the bottom knee bent and top leg straight
Exercise: Keeping the knee straight, raise the top leg to a count of two (2); Hold for a count of two (2); Lower to a count of four (4)
Perform 2 sets of 25 repititions
Wall Squats
Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the hips and thigh muscles.
Patient Position: Stand with a Swiss ball positioned in the small of your back. Place your feet should be hip width apart and about 12 inches away from the wall.
Exercise: Keeping your back against the ball, bend both knees and move your buttocks towards the floor until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a count of 2 and return to starting position.
Repeat 25 times and perform 2 times per day
Hamstring Curls
Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the hamstring muscles
Patient Position: Stand facing chair or table for support.
Exercise: With trunk upright, slowly raise lower leg toward buttocks. Hold for a count of two (2) and lower to a count of four (4).
Repeat 30 times, resting after each 10 repetitions.
Calf Raises
Purpose of Exercise: To strengthen the calf muscles
Patient Position: Stand with the balls of your feet positioned firmly on a step and your heels hanging off the edge of the step.
Exercise: Rise onto your toes to a count of two (2); Hold for a count of two (2); Lower to a count of four (4)
Perform 2 sets of 25 repititions
Calf Stretch
Purpose of Exercise: Restore flexibility to the calf muscles
Patient Position: Sit with one leg fully extended
Exercise: Place a towel or strap around the foot, holding each end. Keeping your trunk upright, pull back on the strap until a stretch is experienced in the calf.
Hold for one (1) minute and perform 2 repetitions of the exercise