Everyone needs to squat: rugby players, rehab patients, old ladies... It's a
wonderful exercise with all kinds of applications.
To answer Paul's question: have your patient use the range which is
pain-free for him. He may wish to begin with bodyweight squats, holding on
to something for balance if necessary, and slowly progress to weighted
squats. If he can squat to full depth without pain, then have him do so.
Otherwise, use the range of comfort, aiming to increase the range of motion
gradually. I'm not sure I understand the feet question, but ideally the
body when descending should resemble the number "4" when viewed from the
side (i.e. butt back, head up, knees not straying beyond toes). He may have
to experiment to find the foot stance that is appropriate for him: wide,
narrow, etc. I do not advise the use of knee wraps for rehab training, nor
do I advise the use of blocks under the heels. Knee wraps tend to increase
patellar compression and for some folks with knee problems that's pain city.
If a client cannot go to full depth because of inflexible calves and ankles,
then we address that flexibility issue.
I have found front squats to be a really nice alternative to back squats.
For people with knee problems, they are wonderful: allowing the benefits of
full depth and free weight squatting, while allowing the back to remain
upright and for reasons I haven't completely figured out, reducing the
perceived discomfort in the knees.
You may also consider nutritional supplementation as part of a
multifactorial approach to the problem. MSM and fish oil are two things
which come immediately to mind, and which anyone can use.
Krista
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Sinclair" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: squatting
> Why does a rugy player need to squat Paul?
> John
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Paul Sumner <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Friday, March 23, 2001 1:20 PM
> Subject: squatting
>
>
> i HAVE A PATIENT who wishes to train for a forthcoming rugby season in
> Australia. However he c/o tendinosis which is hindering his training.
>
> He has questions re squats.
>
> What is the correct distance to go down for maximal gains, and safety for
> the knee joints?
>
> How far forward should you have your feet when performing a squat?
>
> Are the use of knee raps advised or does it add extra pressure to the
> joints?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Paul Sumner uk
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