10 Minute Tip #14: Anterior Knee Pain With Deadlifting | Why & How To Address It

10 Minute Tip #14: Anterior Knee Pain With Deadlifting | Why & How To Address It

Author: Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC February 14, 2023 Duration: 13:55

While the deadlift is not as tough on your knees as the squat, you may experience anterior knee pain when deadlifting. If you're wondering what to do when your knee hurts while deadlifting, we're here to help!

 

As with the squat, in the deadlift the knees are bent. However, there is less knee bend, less concentric muscle motion, and almost no eccentric muscle motion in the deadlift. Because of these reasons, we tend to see less knee pain with deadlifts than the squat. However, that does not mean you'll never experience knee pain with the deadlift.

 

In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss the "bottom" position of the deadlift and how suboptimal positioning has the potential to contribute to knee pain. 

 

Similar to the squat, the main factors that contribute to knee pain with deadlifts include:

  1. Depth (or hip height in the start position)
  2. Bar Placement
  3. Eye Gaze
  4. Tension
  5. Balance
  6. Torso Position (in the start position)
  7. Footwear  

 

However, in the deadlift, there is one additional technical contribution to knee pain that we do not see in the squat.

 

Listen to the full episode on the PRS Podcast to learn how to address knee pain while deadlifting and what the secret issue is that you may be doing.

 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

 

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Get in touch with the show!

Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com

Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com

Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs

Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs


Hosted by Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson, Progressive Rehab & Strength is a conversation for those who take lifting seriously, whether for sport or for life. Both hosts are practicing physical therapists and certified strength coaches with deep roots in powerlifting, giving them a unique, dual-perspective on the body under load. This podcast digs into the nuanced intersection of rehabilitation and performance, moving beyond generic advice. You’ll hear practical discussions on programming for longevity, managing training around injuries, and navigating the technical demands of the barbell lifts. The aim is to strip away confusion and provide actionable insights that help athletes and coaches build resilient, sustainable careers-both in the gym and in their professional practices. It’s a resource for critical thinkers who want their approach to strength to be informed by both clinical expertise and hard-earned experience on the platform. Tune in for a blend of science, real-world application, and straight talk from two professionals who live in this space every day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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