Hey Barbell medicine crew. I had an ACL reconstruction about 4 years ago. I did PT and then started lifting again about 6 months post op. I’m back to feeling perfectly fine with no pain at all when I squat, deadlift, or do any leg exercises. However, I just started to play basketball again, and do basketball conditioning (cutting, jumping, single leg jumps, etc) and I’ve noticed pain in my previously injured knee. It’s a sheering feeling similar to when I was about a year post op and, I feel it only when I’m in a squat position right above 90 degrees. I’m not sure how to proceed because obviously I want to keep playing.
Age- 30
Weight- 208
Height- 5’11
I’m currently on the barbell medicine Hypertrophy program.
I do basketball conditioning about 3 - 4 times a week, and play once a week.
Based on your background here is what jumps out at me based on your post
The forces and stresses of barbell training are nowhere near the loads and stresses of basketball specific drills and/or games. These tasks are going to challenge your knee in a manner strength training doesn’t. Depending on your graft (bone patellar bone/etc), you may also have a higher likelihood of longer term knee pain. You’ve undertaken an activity you’re not accustomed to. I’m not too surprised your knee is reminding you.
Haha yes, my knee is definitely reminding me. It was hamstring tendon graft. Are you suggesting the pain will just subside as I get used to the forces applied while playing?
The honest answer, not knowing you, your rehab, or anything about your lifestyle, etc; I don’t know
My bias/opinion is to recommend a structured return to play plan for activities such as basketball, football, soccer, etc. There are some metrics used to guide return to sport decisions. The goal is to restore strength and power to the surgical limb as close to pre-injury or close to the non-surgical side (within 10%).
Even after meeting those metrics, its still a process to return to full participation.
On that note, if you continued the course, you may find your knee does great…and maybe not. You will likely be experimenting with the blend of strength training and sports specific activities that works for you.