Kettlebell Torn meniscus

[Baron von Raschke]

Hello everyone! A lot of you have previous or current injuries that you work around, particularly knee injuries, and I was wondering if any of you have experience with torn menisci and kettlebell swings? I'd been wanting to get my wife to start KB swings because of the numerous health and strength benefits but recently we found out she has a torn meniscus in her left knee. Doctor said he's 50/50 about surgery. We could just keep going with PT and not fix it, or get it snipped and worry about potential arthritis problems in the future. ETK (and probably S&S and elsewhere) mentions that KB swings are easy on the knees and former weightlifters with screwed up knees take to the swings very well.

My question is, are any of you out there in a similar predicament with torn menisci and KB swings? I'm in no way asking any of you to give the ok for me to put her on a program. We have a doctor and a physical therapist and will only take their advice. But this forum knows KB swings and the benefits and restrictions due to injuries better than most doctors and I was curious if anyone else had this type of injury and if it precluded doing KB swings. I seem to remember Pavel T. mentioning in NW that he had a torn meniscus or MCL (have to check the book again) and doing negative-free pistols helped him work that leg without bothering the injury. But I'm only curious about swings. Easy swings for a 46 year old woman with a torn meniscus.

Thanks! And again, I'm in no way asking for an ok to begin a program with her. That's what our doctor and PT are for. Just asking if anyone had similar injuries and were still able to do swings.

Mark

 

[Steve Freides]

Best to find a doctor used to dealing with athletes and discuss with him/her.

-S-

 

[Steve W.]

I have had a torn meniscus and have a lot of arthritic cartilage degeneration (lots of wear and tear from 4 decades of basketball). I had surgery for the meniscus tear, which has been an improvement (no more locking; reduced pain and swelling; improved range of motion). However, because of the arthritis, my knees are generally very painful and my doctor advises that I not do anything involving "running, jumping, or cutting."

Even before I had surgery to repair the meniscus tear, I could still swing a kettlebell pain free. It is one exercise that I have always been able to do despite any knee or ankle injury, as long as I can stand up.

Obviously this isn't medical advice; just sharing my personal experience.

 

[Anna C]

Baron, with all your cautions in mind, of course, I'll offer that in my own experience, kettlebell swings don't bother my knee, and I had a diagnosis of "probably a little tear in your meniscus" about 4 years ago when I was having trouble with it. No imaging was done, but that was a doctor's assessment, and I followed through with physical therapy and it eventually got better (mainly due to changes in my bicycle fit/position, I believe). Anyway, I do feel some twinges from time to time as a little pain when my leg/knee is not in a good position for various exercises, and this is very rare with kettlebell swings.... and swings never aggravate my knees at all, in any way.

Best of luck to you and your wife with the practice!

 

[Baron von Raschke]

Thank you all for sharing your experiences. Apparently there are two equally valid schools of thought regarding meniscus tears, to repair or to leave alone. In response to Steve F., the ortho who read the MRI and diagnosed the tear was recommended by our PT and is a sports specialist. In our one hour consultation I considered asking him about kettlebell swings but we had to digest his survey of the damage and options first. After we decide which way to go (wife is leaning towards leaving it alone, as is the PT) I can then ask about incorporating swings into a permanent exercise program. As far as I know the PT and the doctor could be kettlebell champions, I just haven't asked yet. When we get to the decision point (surgery or not) I'll ask both. She has a little arthritis behind her kneecap, she was a former half miler in high school and may have worn them out a bit. But right now the meniscus tear is the biggie.

Again, thank you all! Personal experience was what I was looking for, recommendations will be coming from our doctors.