REHABILITATION GUIDE
Rehabilitation after patellar or quadriceps tendon repair.
Patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon repair. What to expect, stage by stage, with a printable copy to download.
These operations repair the tendons that straighten the knee. The repair needs protecting while it heals, so knee bending is increased gradually under your physiotherapist’s guidance. Your team will confirm your programme after surgery.
At a glance
| Weight bearing | Usually allowed with the knee held straight in the brace |
| Brace | Hinged knee brace, with the allowed bend increased in stages |
| Walking aids | Crutches for the early weeks |
| Normal daily function | Around 6 months |
Your recovery, stage by stage
Protection phase Weeks 0–6
- Wear the brace as instructed. Walk with crutches, with the brace locked straight.
- Do not try to straighten the knee against resistance or lift the straight leg unless your physiotherapist says so.
- Knee bending is increased gradually in the brace, in the stages set by your team.
Restoring movement Weeks 6–12
- The brace and crutches are reduced with your physiotherapist’s guidance.
- Knee bend continues to increase, and gentle strengthening begins.
Strengthening and return to function 3–6 months
- Progressive strengthening, balance and functional work.
- Most people return to normal daily function at around 6 months. Sport and heavy work are discussed at follow-up.
Early exercises
- Ankle pumps
- Point your feet up and down briskly, 10–20 times every hour while awake. This helps circulation and reduces the risk of blood clots.
- Static quads (gentle)
- With the leg straight in the brace, gently tighten the thigh muscle, hold 5 seconds and relax. Only start this when your physiotherapist advises.
- Buttock squeezes
- Squeeze your buttock muscles together, hold 5 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times.
- Assisted knee bending
- Only within the range allowed in your brace at each stage.
Looking after yourself
- Wound care
- Keep the dressing clean and dry. Stitches or clips are usually removed at around 10–14 days. Do not soak the wound in a bath, pool or hot tub until it has fully healed.
- Swelling
- Rest with the leg raised, and use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes several times a day. Swelling can last for weeks or months and is common.
- Pain relief
- Take your pain relief regularly in the early weeks, as prescribed, particularly before exercising. Reduce it gradually as the pain settles.
- Blood clot prevention
- Follow the hospital’s advice on blood-thinning medicine and stockings. Keep moving, do your ankle exercises, and drink plenty of fluids.
When to seek urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have chest pain, sudden breathlessness or cough up blood.
Contact the hospital where you had your operation straight away (or NHS 111 out of hours) if you have:
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in the calf
- The wound becomes red, hot or increasingly painful, or leaks fluid after the first few days
- A temperature above 38°C, shivering or feeling generally unwell
- A sudden increase in pain or swelling, or you cannot put weight on the leg as advised
- New numbness, tingling, coldness or weakness in the leg or foot
Sources
This guide is based on Mr Umar’s practice and is guided by NICE and British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) guidance:
Questions about your recovery?
| Spire Regency, Macclesfield | Denise Rowbotham · 01625 507472 |
| The Alexandra, Spire Manchester, Spire Hale and Circle Cheshire | Danielle Heron · 07528 523911 |
This is general guidance. Always follow the specific instructions from your own surgical and physiotherapy team, as your programme may differ.