Calf Stretch
Lower Leg
Phase 2
Sets
Reps
3
3
Week: 2-4
Calf Stretch
Purpose: Restore calf flexibility to improve walking mechanics and ankle motion.
Equipment: Wall.
How to do it (gastrocnemius, straight-knee stretch):
1) Face a wall and place hands on it for support.
2) Step the stretching leg back with heel down and knee straight.
3) Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the upper calf.
4) Hold, then relax.
Variation (soleus):
- Repeat with the back knee slightly bent to shift the stretch lower.
Dosage: 3 sets of 30 reps (or seconds/holds if that is how your therapist prescribed it). Rest 30–60 seconds between sets.
Tips:
- Keep the heel planted and toes facing forward.
- Stretch should be firm but comfortable.
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.