Welcome! “The PT Handbook” is a physical therapy newsletter discussing all things physical therapy/sports medicine. This newsletter is an extension of our philosophy at “Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC” where our patient population includes athletes and active individuals.
This handbook will provide practical PT tips and dive into hot topics surrounding the sports rehab world. Reply to this email with questions!
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body
PT Handbook Conversation: Why Your Knee Hurts When You Squat
You go to squat….and your knee starts to hurt. So you stretch. Maybe foam roll. Maybe even stop squatting altogether (the usual)..
But the pain keeps coming back. Anyway, here’s the truth:
It’s usually not just a “tight” muscle.
Knee pain when squatting? Keep reading…
In most cases, knee pain during squats comes down to one thing:
Your body doesn’t tolerate the load (yet).
That can show up as:
• Poor control through the movement
• Weakness in supporting muscles (glutes, quads, hips)
• Too much load, too soon
• Limited mobility in the ankles or hips
Your knee isn’t the problem. It’s just where the stress is showing up.
Modify your training, don’t keep doing the same things
When knee pain shows up, most people:
• Stop squatting completely
• Only stretch
• Or just push through it
None of these actually fix the issue.
Instead of avoiding the movement, focus on improving it:
Adjust your squat depth or stance
Reduce the load temporarily
Build strength through a pain-free range
Improve control of the movement
The goal isn’t to stop squatting. It’s to squat better and tolerate more over time.
Your ability to handle load also depends on recovery. Sleep, nutrition, hydration, stress….
Micronutrients can support tissue health and recovery especially when squatting a lot 🙂
That’s one reason I recommend Thorne. They’re third-party tested and clinically dosed, which matters when you’re trying to stay consistent long term.
Get 10% off Thorne HERE
Knee pain during squats doesn’t mean you need to stop. It usually means you need to adjust, build capacity, and improve how you move.
Fix the cause, not just the symptom.
Knee pain with squatting? Reply to this email or hit the link below to “contact us”😊
My newest podcast with coach Ramy is below. We have a lot going on but promise we’ll be back in a couple weeks. Also, I’ll be posting more solo stuff on my YouTube channel soon!
👉 Check out Thorne supplements HERE and get 10% off your first order!
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use or trust as a PT. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I am a Thorne/Legion supplements ambassador and trust their products.
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Peace,
Dr. Gerry Robles PT, DPT
Founder, Art of PT Sports & Performance Physical Therapy PLLC - Athlete-level care for every active body