Strength Training With Knee Pain: What Can You Adjust?

The first question isn't which exercise to choose—it is what may be causing the knee pain. Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher distinguish discomfort associated with different activities and injuries, and emphasize medical guidance when pain persists or interferes with daily life. Their discussion separates taking a break from aggravating activities from assuming that every form of strength training is off the table.

Fisher outlines options that may help tailor training: working the opposite leg, narrowing the movement range, slowing repetitions, or producing force without moving the joint. Hudson explains how exercise settings can accommodate a person's needs. They also compare isolated leg exercises with multi-joint movements and discuss why injury history matters when considering exercise selection.

Key TopicsWhy the location and cause of knee pain matterWhen knee pain warrants medical guidanceTraining the opposite leg and cross-educationAdjusting range of motion, speed, and intensityIsometric exercise and muscular support for the kneeLeg extensions, leg presses, and injury-specific considerations

Chapters00:00 — Strength Training and Knee Pain: Introduction00:52 — Listener Question: Can I Train With Knee Pain?01:38 — Understanding the Knee Joint02:43 — Types of Knee Pain and When to Seek Guidance05:15 — The Muscles Around the Knee and the Goal of Training06:23 — Training the Other Leg and Adjusting Movement Range07:36 — Slower Movement, Isometrics, and Joint Support09:42 — Tailoring Speed, Range, and Intensity10:51 — Leg Extensions, Squats, and Joint Forces12:40 — Injury Considerations and Muscles Working Together14:02 — Adjusting the Lowering and Lifting Phases14:53 — Closing Thoughts and Listener Questions

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