Knee Pain with Squatting?
Experiencing knee pain when you squat in the gym? Let’s fix it! Todays blog post is focusing on just that.
Most often, knee pain with squatting occurs at mid range or at the end of the motion on either the ascent OR the descent. This is because different tissues are being stressed, which of course will change the plan of action for how to best treat this.
Research has shown that the highest amount of compression at the knee joint is right around 90 degrees. This is helpful because if your knee pain happens around mid range of motion, there is a strong possibility your pain is a compression irritation. Compression actually DECREASES as you descend past 90 degrees, so if your knee pain occurs below this motion, the provocation may be caused by a different reason. This could be tendon irritation, meniscus, or fat pad/plica. Not to worry though, this is all completely treatable in physical therapy!
Now since this is so situation specific, I strongly recommend seeking a trusted healthcare provider who understands squatting mechanics and knee pain well. A great place to start is find a range of motion In squatting that isn’t painful and keep working those squats! Box squats, bench squats, single leg split squats, and spanish squats could all be possible options for you to continue working on strength gains while rehabbing from knee pain. Loon State Physical Therapy would be more than happy to assist you along this path to pain free knees!
Have more questions about how physical therapy can help your knee pain with squatting? I would be happy to chat further about how Loon State Physical Therapy can be your teammate in getting you back to moving and feeling your best! Our physical therapy clinics are conveniently located in Minneapolis in the Linden Hills neighborhood and Northeast Minneapolis neighborhood to best help you get out of pain! Call us at (612) 405-8503 or book with us online at www.loonstatephysicaltherapy.com for an in-person or virtual appointment.
Until next time!
Andrew Eccles
Owner and Physical Therapist at Loon State Physical Therapy
