The Optimal Body 438 | The Impact of Deep Squats on Our Knee Health: Good or Bad for Knee Pain?
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom debunk the myth that deep squats are harmful to the knees and discuss their impact on knee health. They trace the misconception to outdated research and review recent studies showing deep squats are generally safe and beneficial for healthy adults, supporting overall knee health. The hosts discuss knee biomechanics, the importance of gradual progression, and individualized modifications. They emphasize that deep squats support functional movement, joint health, and knee health, even for those with knee pain, and encourage listeners to challenge old beliefs and approach squatting with confidence and proper technique.
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What You'll Learn
01:47 Tracing the myth to a 1961 study with questionable methods and its influence on fitness culture.
04:25 Summary of review findings: most studies support deep squat safety for healthy adults, with a few raising minor concerns.
08:02 Highlighting benefits found in research: improved strength, tendon resilience, and functional capacity.
09:54 How knee joint and patellofemoral forces change with squat depth, and why deep squat exercise may not be riskier.
12:31 Anecdote about retraining Dr. Jen’s mom to perform deep squats safely despite osteoarthritis.
13:58 Noting that deep squats are used...
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/438
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