10 Minute Tip #29 - 4 Tips to Keep Barbell Training After Leg Surgeries or Injuries

10 Minute Tip #29 - 4 Tips to Keep Barbell Training After Leg Surgeries or Injuries

Author: Dr. Rori Alter, PT, SSC, PRSCC July 4, 2023 Duration: 16:37

Injuries are unavoidable, and sometimes you may end up with an injury or surgery that leaves you non-weight bearing. You may think you must stop all powerlifting while recovering from injuries or surgeries affecting your legs. However, we encourage you to modify your movements and mindset to continue your barbell training without interruption. 

 

Common injuries and surgeries that may affect your ability to barbell train are quad and Achilles tendon repairs, labral repairs or FAI surgery, ACL reconstructions, knee scopes, or even ankle sprains or fractures. All injuries vary in the length of time it takes to fully heal from them, how much weight you can bear through the limb, and your movement ability at each leg joint. 

However, this does not mean you have to stop training, it simply means you have to find a way to continue to train as best as possible.

 

When designing a powerlifting program to accommodate a leg injury or surgery, we need to consider a few things:

  1. Can you bear weight through the affected leg?

  2. Are you able to bend your knee?

  3. Is it safe for you to maneuver weight plates yourself?

  4. What equipment do you have access to besides a power rack, barbell, and weight plates?

 

Considering all this, we can formulate a training program that allows us to continue training the upper and lower body with little interruption after a significant injury or surgery to one of your legs.

 

In this 10-Minute Tip Podcast episode, we discuss specific modifications to powerlifting and barbell training for all of these scenarios.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

  1. 56 Alternatives to Barbell Train Around Mobility or Injury Limitations (Article) 

 

 

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Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com

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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.
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