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Shallow Standing Knee Bends

Picture of a 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 15 cm (6 in.). Your heels should remain on the floor.
  • Rise slowly to a standing position.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy
Last Revised April 22, 2011

Last Revised: April 22, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine & David A. Fleckenstein, MPT - Physical Therapy

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