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 or barely off the floor.
• Rise slowly to a standing position.