Straight Leg Raise

The straight leg raise is an excellent exercise to strengthen the muscles of the hip. It is one of the first exercises done after hip or knee replacement surgery. Both effective and easy, the straight leg raise is a great rehabilitation technique.

1. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you.
   
   
2. Bend the knee of your non operated leg to a 90-degree angle keeping your foot flat on the floor.
   
   
3. Slowly lift the operated leg six inches off the floor (by contracting the front thigh muscles.
   
   
4. Hold for five seconds.
   
   
5. Slowly lower your leg to the floor.
   
   
6. Relax and repeat 10 more times.

1. Continue to inhale and exhale throughout the exercise.
   
   
2. Concentrate on contracting the muscles on the front of the thigh.