Quad Sets

Quad Sets (Quadriceps Setting)

Purpose: Activate the quadriceps to improve knee control and reduce “shutdown” after surgery.

Equipment: Towel roll.

How to do it:
1) Lie on your back with the leg straight. Place a small towel roll under the knee if comfortable.
2) Tighten the thigh muscle by pushing the knee gently down toward the towel/surface.
3) The kneecap should glide slightly upward; the back of the knee firms against the support.
4) Hold, then fully relax.

Dosage: 5 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.

Tips:
- Keep the foot relaxed; don’t press through the heel.
- Focus on a strong squeeze without pain.

Comfort and safety:
Move slowly and stay in a comfortable range. A mild stretch or light muscle fatigue is okay; sharp pain is not.
Stop and contact your care team if you notice increasing swelling, redness, warmth, drainage, fever, or new/worsening numbness/tingling.
Follow any post-op precautions, lifting limits, and motion restrictions given by your surgeon or therapist.