Knee Wraps

[Cobalt]

What does,"bails" mean in this scenario? Buckles? Hurts?

If I go really slowly, there is a point where pain sets in. If I keep going just a little bit, the knee just loses all power.

The pain isn't bad, but it's there. It also isn't always there, some days I can squat the world, others I'm just a little girl.

[burlyman30]

If I go really slowly, there is a point where pain sets in. If I keep going just a little bit, the knee just loses all power.

The pain isn't bad, but it's there. It also isn't always there, some days I can squat the world, others I'm just a little girl.

Does this pain occur only under max loads? If you drop 30-50 lbs will the pain occur at the same position and will you lose all power?

[Rodja]

Just asking Rodja, if they aren't for me then so be it. I was just looking for experience on their use.

My right wrist gave me similar issues, and a nice wrap fixed it.

Here's the thing about knee wraps: unless you are already highly experienced in training at 90%+ for years, you don't need to jump to them. Knee wraps aren't quite gear, but they are in the same breath in that you first need the technical expertise before jumping to them. You cannot just wrap one knee as it will alter the tracking of your knees and properly using a wrap is an art.

Elite FTS

You can't compare a wrist to a knee as they're not only different types of joints, but also have different musculature and strength capacities.

[burlyman30]

You cannot just wrap one knee as it will alter the tracking of your knees and properly using a wrap is an art.

You can't compare a wrist to a knee as they're not only different types of joints, but also have different musculature and strength capacities.

Truth. I only wrapped for a short period, 20 some years ago. I don't remember exactly how to do it anymore and wouldn't do it again until I relearned the wrapping technique. You can totally change the way your knees track, which is pretty amazing to me. I remember that happening and having to rewrap in order to "get it right".

[Cobalt]

This info is exactly what I'm looking for.

I wasn't planning on wrapping just one knee, I would have done both.

Since wraps are now out of the question, any suggestions on something for support for just one knee then?

[Cobalt]

Does this pain occur only under max loads? If you drop 30-50 lbs will the pain occur at the same position and will you lose all power?

Its worse at higher loads. When I drop the weight, the pain will still show, but I tend to get a little more ROM before it finally gives out.

For reference, 180 degrees mean upright, and 90 degree means I'm down near a "sitting" position. Zero degrees would just be impossible, legs broken.
For example:
45 lbs (bar for warm up) - mild discomfort when close to 90 degree knee bend, can easily do many reps, even past 90 degrees.
135 lbs (bar& 2 plates) - again, mild discomfort close to 90 degrees, a dozen reps is still nothing, 90 degree bend possible.
225 lbs (bar& 4 plates) - pain starting to show sooner, near 100-110 degree knee bend. 90 degree bend possible, but difficult.
315 lbs (bar& 6 plates) - pain still only showing at the 110 degree point, 90 degree bend nearly impossible, maybe 2 reps before knee gives out.
405 lbs (bar& 8 plates) - pain at 110-115 degree point, almost instant failure when pain starts.

Like I said, it isn't EVERY time. I've done 405 to 90 degrees and back for 3 reps with no issues, but then a couple weeks ago, 225 was failing at 90 degrees on the first rep. I just hate prepping for leg day and not being able to do it.

[xxiv]

Perhaps just retaining heat at the joint with a little compression is what you need. I would try something like these. The matching head band is a sweet addition.

leg-warmer-spandex-newton-j-202x300.jpg

Take pics and post your results.

Seriously though, I had to switch to lifting with insulated pants because my garage is cold and my legs were cramping at higher reps. Warming up with jumping rope and jumping between sets helped as well.

[Rodja]

The link I put is to some knee sleeves. My main question is what do you do for your warm-up and if you also do regular MFR?

[burlyman30]

Good info on ROM pain, Cobalt. So now can you be more specific on the location in the joint where the pain stems from? Front of patella? To either side of it? Deeper in the joint? Sharp pain? Dull pain? Or does it go from dull to sharp with the increased ROM?

[Scope75]

Perhaps just retaining heat at the joint with a little compression is what you need. I would try something like these. The matching head band is a sweet addition.

leg-warmer-spandex-newton-j-202x300.jpg

Take pics and post your results.

Seriously though, I had to switch to lifting with insulated pants because my garage is cold and my legs were cramping at higher reps. Warming up with jumping rope and jumping between sets helped as well.

I'll second the insulated pants!!
When I started wearing them leg work seemed to get easier and kept the blood flowing better.