Deadlift ... knees

[IHateMyJob2004]

I have a question about deadlift.

A few days ago I dead lifted 220 poinds which is 30 over my normal 190 pounds. This is work out weight.

Quite frankly, the 220 pounds seemed light and I want to go up a bit more. Maybe 230.

But with 220 pounds, my knees felt funny during the motion. It's hard to describe other than saying it felt like me knee cap moved. It did not hurt at all. Just felt different.

Is this in my head or is there something more going on here? Is this normal? Require special gear (knee wraps)?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Your knee caps can move, yeah. The issue is that they frequently travel toward the outside of your knee if you have a tight IT band, vastus lateralis and other structures (and if you have hip, ankle weakness, etc). Wrapping it will just mask the problem. You need to address the immobility on the lateral aspect of your leg.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Just got back from vacation. Sorry for not responding in a while. How do I address this immobility? Is there a place to read about this issue along with how to resolve it?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Just got back from vacation. Sorry for not responding in a while. How do I address this immobility? Is there a place to read about this issue along with how to resolve it?

Well, you can foam roll some of the lateral structures of the knee to make them move a bit better and lengthen them. If it's the deeper structures holding the patella, you'll actually need someone like a physical therapist to mobilize that for you. Honestly, the quickest way out of this for you (and the most effective) is to go see a physical therapist, get evaluated (so they can tell you for certain if it's tightness, weakness, or both), and then get treated and not have to deal with it again.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Is a physical therapist typically covered by insurance? Or is this all out of pocket stuff? Do i need to see my PCP and have him refer me to one?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Is a physical therapist typically covered by insurance? Or is this all out of pocket stuff? Do i need to see my PCP and have him refer me to one?

It depends on what kind of insurance you have. It typically is included. Also, it depends on where you live. In California, you need need a prescription for it for insurance billing. In other states, you don't. Call a local PT clinic and ask - they'll let you know.

 

[z1ggy]

Just curious, were you using a straight bar or the diamond bar? I always felt safer and more comfortable using the latter.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Just curious, were you using a straight bar or the diamond bar? I always felt safer and more comfortable using the latter.

Using a straight bar. Newb warning: What is a diamond bar?

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Using a straight bar. Newb warning: What is a diamond bar?

A diamond bar is a bar that goes around you, shifting the mass slightly (if you have poor conventional deadlift form). Considering it's not readily available most places and it doesn't provide any greater benefit (except most can lift more weight), sticking with the conventional deadlift is fine. You just need to address the issues - both will feel weird until you do.