Straight Leg Raise
Knee/Hip
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
3
3
Week: 2-4
Straight Leg Raise
Purpose: Build hip flexor and quadriceps strength while maintaining a stable knee (often used once quad control is adequate).
Equipment: None; optional ankle weight later.
How to do it:
1) Lie on your back with one knee bent (non-working leg) and the working leg straight.
2) Tighten the quadriceps to keep the knee straight.
3) Lift the straight leg to the height of the opposite thigh.
4) Pause 1–2 seconds, then lower slowly.
Important:
- If the knee bends or you feel pain at the front of the hip, reduce height or return to quad sets first.
Dosage: 3 sets of 10 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Progression:
- Add a light ankle weight only when cleared and form stays solid.
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.