Can't do Squats, What should I do?

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jameswing
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Can't do Squats, What should I do?

Post by jameswing »

Because of tearing rotator cuff I can't do regular Squats. I can't rotate arm behind shoulder to hold onto the bar. Because of this I have been doing Squats on a FreeMotion Machine http://www.freemotionfitness.com/webapp ... gory=10009.
They also have a plate loaded machine http://www.freemotionfitness.com/webapp ... gory=10009.

Yesterday I upped weight on the first one and did 10 of 160, 10 of 180, 10 of 200. I also do them with hips away from the back pad to get a more natural motion.

What do you think? Should I go to the other machine?
DianaB
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Post by DianaB »

Are you getting treatments for the shoulder? The electric stim machines work wonders, along with some ART therapy you should be able to achieve that type of rotation fairly quickly.
Why not just do dumbbell or zercher squats using dbs? Or front squats, or split squats, or just plain old lunges for now? For most barbell lifts there is a DB variation.
I can't say I am familiar with those machines, but both of them look like they take the stabilizers and eccentric contraction out of the equation.
jameswing
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Post by jameswing »

I actually tore the Labrum in two places, as well as doing cartilage damage, and put a good flat spot on the ball. i had surgery last June, and have gone through six months of physical therapy (3x/week). the reason it tore in the first place was a dislocation while skiing, the surgeon said i probably wouldn't get back to a full range of motion, and that's the only motion that i can't do.

I'll see if I can do front Squats, I just don't know if I can take that much weight on the front of shoulder.
DianaB
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Post by DianaB »

Nasty!
The thing with front squats is that the bar should rest on your fingertips (using a clean grip, I don't like that crossover grip) so there is more weight on the wrists actually. It might be too much with the extent of your injury.
I'd try dumb bells, and maybe a leg press for heavier work. Do lunges and split squats, and DB good mornings for the hams.
Good luck with that injury and don't give up on regaining full ROM. Do you see a sports therapist?
jameswing
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Post by jameswing »

Not anymore, I finished PT a While ago. I decided to go by and speak to the PT on Monday, and get her opinion.
SarahPT
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Post by SarahPT »

I think you can still do wfine doing exercises such as traditional deadlifts, lunges, leg press. Squats are excellent, but you can still gain strength and mass without them.
swanso5
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Post by swanso5 »

definately try the front squats, deads etc as suggested
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