Currently, I’m undergoing intensive physiotherapy for PFS. Since starting treatment, I’ve cut down on lifting at the suggestion of my physio and do just enough to say I’m lifting. This suits me fine because all leg movements hurt my knee. So does deadlifting. Aside from minimal weight training, I’ve been doing cardio and the exercises my physio suggested for me.
Now, I will be starting a program to help correct some postural problems as well. I also plan to incorporate rotator cuff work into the posture program.
Between the two regimens and cardio I will have ample to keep me busy at the gym.
Should I lay off the weights completely now and concentrate on rehab training? Or should I still include some lifting while rehabbing? If I include lifting, are there certain leg movements that are better than others for my situation? I would have to cut out the cardio if I do weights, but that’s OK because cardio blows as far as I’m concerned.
All comments, suggestions and sharing of similar experiences are welcome. If you need more info concerning my problems I can post some more.
MD, I’m doing Chad Waterbury’s ABBH program (an every-other-day program). On my “off” days, I am doing a rehab program that my physical therapist put together for me. So like you, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy. I’m in the gym 7 days a week, but since my rehab program is rotator-cuff exercises and shoulder stability, strengthening (weak muscles) and stretching (tight muscles), I’m not having a problem with overtraining.
Honestly, I don’t know how serious PFS is because I don’t know what it is. But if you can get your postural problems fixed and all of the underlying rehab problems fixed, you are less likely to injure yourself when you start back lifting.
For myself, if the situation is/was serious, I would make rehab my number one priority. It’s an investment in your lifting future.
Hi, TT. PFS is patellofemoral syndrome. Maybe I should have spelled it out in my first post.
I’m doing my rehab program every day for the reason you mentioned. It’s an investment in my lifting future. ABBH sounds like a great program, but I feel a full BB routine would be too much for me right now. I also have tendonitis in my shoulder and that puts a damper on upper-body work too.
But, I hate the idea of not lifting at all. I’m not sure what my best course of action is right now.