Shallow Standing Knee Bends

Shallow standing knee bends build strength in the muscles on top of your thigh. This exercise should only be done if you have very minimal pain; if you have no clicking, locking, or giving way in the injured knee; and if it doesn’t hurt while you are doing 8 to 12 repetitions. Stand with your hands lightly resting on a…

Shallow Standing Knee Bends

Man doing shallow standing knee bends

Shallow standing knee bends build strength in the muscles on top of your thigh. This exercise should only be done if you have very minimal pain; if you have no clicking, locking, or giving way in the injured knee; and if it doesn’t hurt while you are doing 8 to 12 repetitions.

  • Stand with your hands lightly resting on a counter or chair in front of you with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Slowly bend your knees so that you squat down just like you were going to sit in a chair. Make sure your knees don’t go in front of your toes.
  • Lower yourself about 6 in. (15 cm). Your heels should remain on the floor.
  • Rise slowly to a standing position.

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine
Joan Rigg, PT, OCS – Physical Therapy

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