Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 8/9/2009

Question
I have had my knee cap dislocate several times but the last time before now was approx 10 yrs ago. The other day I twisted my leg playing ball and it popped out. I was able to put it back in. After a few hrs I went to the hospital with terrible swelling! They put me in an immobilizer. I've been icing it for 20 mins every hour and the swelling seems to be going down a bit! Now, I work with a Personal Trainer 3 times a week for weight loss and toning! Should we continue with sessions or wait until my knee is completely better? Is she capable of helping me with strenghening exercises or no? I have given her all the info from the hospital and haven't heard anything from her so I am at a loss as to what's going on with my sessions.

Answer
Hi Kathy,

I would give the leg a rest for the time being. You still may be able to do some modified upper body work but I would stay away from any work on the affected leg for now.

Where you given and idea when the immobilizer can be taken off? Are you going for any follow-up with an orthopedist? Until the area heals and swelling subsides the knee cap will have a tendency to dislocate again.

Once you have been given medical clearance you should start slowly in training the muscles that control the knee the quadriceps in general and the VMO which is on the inside of the knee. If that muscle is not properly rehabbed and strengthen it may happen again.

The trainer may be capable of helping you if she has the experience in handling such injuries. I would personally go to a physiotherapist who can get right to the heart of the problem and get you results fast and make the workout more efficient.

I am a personal trainer as well but I work in the field of physical therapy too. If the trainer has some medical training and sports injury experience behind her then maybe she can if not, then I would go elsewhere until you get this resolved.

Then pick the training back up.

Richard Haynes PTA/CPT
Punta Gorda, Florida.
http://www.richardhaynes.com
http://www.rhaynes.blogspot.com