Isometrics

• Perform a variety of isometrics. Isometrics, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, help strengthen your muscles, supporting your knee replacement. First, strengthen your leg muscles through isometrics in order to begin any flexibility exercises involved during the recuperation process. Exercises can be done while sitting or laying down on a soft surface such as your bed or sofa.
  
  Tighten your quadriceps. While sitting on a comfortable surface, extend your affected knee in front of you, straightening it as much as possible. Squeeze your quadriceps (thigh muscles). Hold for a couple of seconds. Release. Repeat. A variation on this isometric exercise involves you putting a rolled-up towel underneath your affected knee. Tighten your quadriceps. Attempt to lift your lower leg.
  
  You can also do a isometric leg lift, according to Booktoots and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Lay on your back with your legs extended. Lift your knee replacement leg so that the heel is 12 inches off the surface. Keep your leg straight. Hold for 10 seconds. Slowly lower your leg. Repeat.
  
  Tighten your buttocks. While either laying down or sitting on a comfortable surface, squeeze your butt (glutes) muscles together. Hold, relax and repeat. This can be done throughout the day.
  
  

Walking

• Start walking. The day after your knee replacement, you will be up and walking to use all your leg muscles. It is one of the best exercises you can do, according to Virginia Mason Orthopedics. Use a walking aid such as a walker or crutches. As you progress and have increased your balance, you can rely on a cane or one crutch. Do this until you feel comfortable enough to support your body weight with your affected knee. At that point, you can walk unassisted. Walking helps you develop a normal gait and strengthens the muscles surrounding your knee replacement. Start out slowly for only a few minutes. As you feel comfortable, increase your time.
  
  

Stationary Bicycle

• Ride a stationary bike. Stationary bikes are notable for helping increase your knee replacement's knee flexibility and mobility, according to Bigkneepain.com. Start out with only a couple of minutes with no resistance (tension). Gradually increase your duration and resistance.
  
  

After Care Suggestions

• Use ice. After every exercise, ice for about 20 minutes states bigkneepain.com. Use ice packs, ice bags or packages of frozen vegetables. To avoid ice burn, do not place the ice directly on your skin. Icing is noted for decreasing both inflammation and pain.
  
  Elevation is important. Throughout the day, place your affected leg onto pillows until it is above your heart level, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Elevation helps decrease inflammation. This can be the time you ice, also.
  
  Emphasize cleanliness. Infections are a leading concern following a knee replacement, notes Virginia Mason Orthopedics. It is imperative that you concern yourself with living in a clean environment. Keep your incision site clean.