doctor said no squats or deadlifts
tehboxingkitteh
Posts: 1,574 Member
I saw an orthopedic surgeon for my knee pain. To make a long story short, I have to jump through a bunch of hoops before my insurance will pay for an MRI to see if I have a tear in my medial meniscus, but the doctor said I can continue going to the gym as normal, with a few restrictions.
I'm not allowed to do any weighted exercises where my knee is bent. So no squats or deadlifts, but he's fine with me doing stiff leg deadlifts. I know it's heartbreaking. But I'd rather not risk it and cause serious damage to my knee.
He said I can do body weight squats, as long as I don't go down more than 45 degrees, so not even a complete squat. My other restriction is no running (to include no jumping).
I'm just looking for alternate ways to work out my glutes, hamstrings, and quads that doesn't require bending my leg more than 45 degrees with my own body weight, or with my knee bent at 90 degrees where I have minimal body weight (i.e. on my hands and knees).
Please be gentle; it's my first post :flowerforyou:
I'm not allowed to do any weighted exercises where my knee is bent. So no squats or deadlifts, but he's fine with me doing stiff leg deadlifts. I know it's heartbreaking. But I'd rather not risk it and cause serious damage to my knee.
He said I can do body weight squats, as long as I don't go down more than 45 degrees, so not even a complete squat. My other restriction is no running (to include no jumping).
I'm just looking for alternate ways to work out my glutes, hamstrings, and quads that doesn't require bending my leg more than 45 degrees with my own body weight, or with my knee bent at 90 degrees where I have minimal body weight (i.e. on my hands and knees).
Please be gentle; it's my first post :flowerforyou:
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Replies
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Can you do lunges? Or how about using a fit ball (lie on your back, with your ankles on the ball, like a plank, and then bringing your heels towards your bum) - if you want to increase intensity fold your hands across your stomach so you have to balance using your core. Tricky one - hope you recover soon.0
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get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.0
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I was dealing with some knee injuries for a while that meant no squats or deadlifts. The only things I found that I could do were straight leg deadlifts, rack pulls, calf raises, weighted hip bridge/hip thrusters and hip abductor machines. The hardest to workout I found was the quads0
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I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.0 -
I'd do what the doctor says, get your scan plus treatment, get better and move forward.
You can't train your quads.
I think the doc means more curtsey than stopping at parallel.
Or ignore me and the doc, risk ruining your knees and never get to squat or deadlift again.0 -
I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.
Ignore this, OP, listen to your doctor.
" Squat depth should be consistent with the goals and
abilities of the individual. Because peak patellofemoral
compressive forces occurat or near maximum knee flexion,
those with patellofemoral disorders should avoid squatting
at high flexion angles (16). For those with existing injury or
previous reconstruction of the PCL, it is best to restrict
flexion to 50° to 60° so that posterior shear is minimized"
http://www.dentonisd.org/cms/lib/tx21000245/centricity/Domain/700/Everything_you_need_to_know_about_Squatting.pdf0 -
Do what you can do. Don't worry about what you can't do. Just stay focused on making your body as good as it can be.0
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nothing you said here seems to apply to the OP.
I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.
Ignore this, OP, listen to your doctor.
" Squat depth should be consistent with the goals and
abilities of the individual. Because peak patellofemoral
compressive forces occurat or near maximum knee flexion,
those with patellofemoral disorders should avoid squatting
at high flexion angles (16). For those with existing injury or
previous reconstruction of the PCL, it is best to restrict
flexion to 50° to 60° so that posterior shear is minimized"
http://www.dentonisd.org/cms/lib/tx21000245/centricity/Domain/700/Everything_you_need_to_know_about_Squatting.pdf0 -
nothing you said here seems to apply to the OP.
I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.
Ignore this, OP, listen to your doctor.
" Squat depth should be consistent with the goals and
abilities of the individual. Because peak patellofemoral
compressive forces occurat or near maximum knee flexion,
those with patellofemoral disorders should avoid squatting
at high flexion angles (16). For those with existing injury or
previous reconstruction of the PCL, it is best to restrict
flexion to 50° to 60° so that posterior shear is minimized"
http://www.dentonisd.org/cms/lib/tx21000245/centricity/Domain/700/Everything_you_need_to_know_about_Squatting.pdf
Did you miss the part where the OP said he had a knee injury?0 -
Thank you to those who responded.
I plan on following the doctor. I know that shallow squats are actually used in PT after surgery repairing the medial meniscus. And since my insurance is less than forgiving, I did my research before choosing a doctor.0 -
Listen to your doc, rather than strangers on the internet.0
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I have arthritis in my hip and have had to put together lower body workouts around the constraints of no running, no impact, no weighted hip flexion (closed chain). They are similar to your constraints.
Here are a few ideas for lower body, abs, glutes and back that should meet your doctor's requirements:
Glutes
Barbell Hip Thrust
Bam Bams (GHD or high table)
Lateral leg raise with band
Supine hip internal rotation with band
Supine hip external rotation with band
Upper Legs
Leg Extensions (machine)
Hamstring Ball Roll
Lying Leg Curls (machine)
hamstrings ISO hold (GHD)
glute hamstring extension (GHD)
Abs
side plank, reduced support
front plank, reduced support
exercise ball crunch
hanging leg lifts
L-hold
Back
Barbell Good Morning
Rack Pulls
Back Extensions (GHD)
Let me know if you need explanation for any of these.
ETA: You need to be careful with leg extensions if you have a knee issue. Don't load them too heavy and focus on the last 30 degrees of extension rather than the full range.0 -
I already stated that I was going to listen to my doctor, but thank you for reiterating.Listen to your doc, rather than strangers on the internet.
I was told what I can and can't do. I'm also trying to compile a list of exercises to take back to my follow up appointment to see what he approves, since I was unprepared for my insurance requirements regarding treatment for an injury.0 -
Can you do lunges? Or how about using a fit ball (lie on your back, with your ankles on the ball, like a plank, and then bringing your heels towards your bum) - if you want to increase intensity fold your hands across your stomach so you have to balance using your core. Tricky one - hope you recover soon.
Seriously? Lunges are **** for the knees, this person doesn't want to be hurt more.0 -
Good. Hope it all works out. Knee injuries are no fun.
I already stated that I was going to listen to my doctor, but thank you for reiterating.Listen to your doc, rather than strangers on the internet.
I was told what I can and can't do. I'm also trying to compile a list of exercises to take back to my follow up appointment to see what he approves, since I was unprepared for my insurance requirements regarding treatment for an injury.0 -
I have arthritis in my hip and have had to put together lower body workouts around the constraints of no running, no impact, no weighted hip flexion (closed chain). They are similar to your constraints.
Here are a few ideas for lower body, abs, glutes and back that should meet your doctor's requirements:
Glutes
Barbell Hip Thrust
Bam Bams (GHD or high table)
Lateral leg raise with band
Supine hip internal rotation with band
Supine hip external rotation with band
Upper Legs
Leg Extensions (machine)
Hamstring Ball Roll
Lying Leg Curls (machine)
hamstrings ISO hold (GHD)
glute hamstring extension (GHD)
Abs
side plank, reduced support
front plank, reduced support
exercise ball crunch
hanging leg lifts
L-hold
Back
Barbell Good Morning
Rack Pulls
Back Extensions (GHD)
Let me know if you need explanation for any of these.
ETA: You need to be careful with leg extensions if you have a knee issue. Don't load them too heavy and focus on the last 30 degrees of extension rather than the full range.
See if you can do physical therapy, that's what I did. There Iearned exactly what exercises I could do. Lunges are my worst enemy but I still can do squats and deadlifts just modified and the therapist helped me with that. Good luck.0 -
Insurance is trying to determine if this is a preexisting knee injury from a car accident when I was younger. So, to please them, I have to do what they say. And PT is not an option.See if you can do physical therapy, that's what I did. There Iearned exactly what exercises I could do. Lunges are my worst enemy but I still can do squats and deadlifts just modified and the therapist helped me with that. Good luck.
I did 1.5 years of therapy after my car accident, and have been cleared to lift.0 -
See if you have a tear in your meniscus before you do any deadlifts or squats.0
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I would wait to see what the results of your MRI are. You probably should be doing anything until you know the real injury.
If you can't do proper squats then there's no reason to do partial squats, especially as that can still be stressful on your knee. There's probably not much you can do. Proper lunges put your leg at a 90-degree angle, Split Squats... there's an obvious issue, leg extensions are probably a no go as well. If you can do RDL's or SL's then do those to keep your hamstrings active but in the meantime you're just gonna have to go without any kind of real quad stimulation. Unfortunately sometimes the name of the game is managing injuries, just happens.0 -
I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.
who the hell goes to 4 years of undergrad 4 years of med school and probably 5 years of surgical residency with 2 years of orthopedic fellowship and decides hey lemme go get a degree in exercise science that sounds great.
if you really think an ortho surgeon understands the knee joint less then someone with a kinesiology or whatever equivalent degree you are kidding yourself. to the OP please listen to your physician over MFP (I'm sure you already are - since you are asking for alternative exercises) - hyperextensions and reverse hypers can hit the glutes, romanian deads as you have already said can as well. As a more broish side note - I have a partially torn medial mensici in my Right knee and it does make my squats and deads a bit awkward (my right leg is slightly more externally rotated naturally now then my left) But I just had to fiddle around with form, it was never a big deal0 -
My insurance actually requires proof that I am exercising a minimum of 3 days a week, because that is one of their requirements to get real treatment. Apparently my company drew the short straw when it came to choosing insurance.I would wait to see what the results of your MRI are. You probably should be doing anything until you know the real injury.
If you can't do proper squats then there's no reason to do partial squats, especially as that can still be stressful on your knee. There's probably not much you can do. Proper lunges put your leg at a 90-degree angle, Split Squats... there's an obvious issue, leg extensions are probably a no go as well. If you can do RDL's or SL's then do those to keep your hamstrings active but in the meantime you're just gonna have to go without any kind of real quad stimulation. Unfortunately sometimes the name of the game is managing injuries, just happens.
I can't do leg extensions or curls because it's adding weight on a bent knee. My doctor is fine with bodyweight exercises because I'm already walking around every day at this weight; I just have to wear a knee brace.0 -
I agree with this. And yes, I think you should consult with another specialist. I had bad experience with doctors too. They may be good in their particular field but when it comes to some not so related stuff they may give terrible advice. Find a doctor who actually have a degree in Exercise Science...get a new doctor. Because only going down halfway actually increases knee strain compared to hitting depth. You doc is not very good or smart.
who the hell goes to 4 years of undergrad 4 years of med school and probably 5 years of surgical residency with 2 years of orthopedic fellowship and decides hey lemme go get a degree in exercise science that sounds great.
if you really think an ortho surgeon understands the knee joint less then someone with a kinesiology or whatever equivalent degree you are kidding yourself. to the OP please listen to your physician over MFP (I'm sure you already are - since you are asking for alternative exercises) - hyperextensions and reverse hypers can hit the glutes, romanian deads as you have already said can as well. As a more broish side note - I have a partially torn medial mensici in my Right knee and it does make my squats and deads a bit awkward (my right leg is slightly more externally rotated naturally now then my left) But I just had to fiddle around with form, it was never a big deal
LOL, agree.
Do you wear knee sleeves or wraps on that knee when you squat?My insurance actually requires proof that I am exercising a minimum of 3 days a week, because that is one of their requirements to get real treatment. Apparently my company drew the short straw when it came to choosing insurance.
I can't do leg extensions or curls because it's adding weight on a bent knee. My doctor is fine with bodyweight exercises because I'm already walking around every day at this weight; I just have to wear a knee brace.
That's messed up, how do you prove that? Can you get something from your gym? Messed up... I messed up my back and my doctor was in-network and had an MRI machine. They covered the MRI as an out-of-network expense because it wasn't there preferred MRI facility, yet my doctor's office is in-network. Make sense? Ugh...0 -
I've never worn one before. I had a trainer who was a previous bodybuilder but had to quit when his marriage crumbled. He set me up on all my free weights, and I know I was doing my squats properly because he was helping me with my form.Do you wear knee sleeves or wraps on that knee when you squat?My insurance actually requires proof that I am exercising a minimum of 3 days a week, because that is one of their requirements to get real treatment. Apparently my company drew the short straw when it came to choosing insurance.
I can't do leg extensions or curls because it's adding weight on a bent knee. My doctor is fine with bodyweight exercises because I'm already walking around every day at this weight; I just have to wear a knee brace.
That's messed up, how do you prove that? Can you get something from your gym? Messed up... I messed up my back and my doctor was in-network and had an MRI machine. They covered the MRI as an out-of-network expense because it wasn't there preferred MRI facility, yet my doctor's office is in-network. Make sense? Ugh...
My insurance has this paperwork that has to be filled out by someone at the gym. Not only do they not pay for my gym membership, but they're requiring me to go to one before they pay for future treatments.
I used to do insurance billing years ago. It was awful. Let's just say I was glad that I didn't have to deal with the people who were insured.0
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