I am curious about the various diagnoses and applications that physical therapists in the community are using the TRX for.  Please post also what uses the TRX seems most useful for as well as challenges you are having.

 Thanks,

Rajan Perkash, MD

Hello all. I am a 42 yr old woman that uses the TRX for general fitness. I hurt my knee with one of the intro exercises that came with the TRX. It is alright now, with the passage of time. I am about 20 lbs overweight so that is probably what did it - too much weight on the knee. Can someone please direct me to the videos that will demonstrate good leg muscle exercises that won't strain the knees too much.Thanks!

Alana

Alana,

Without actually knowing the exercise that you had difficulty with, I'll make the assumption that it was possibly the single leg squat, or single leg balance lunge.  While 20 extra lbs can definitely contribute to knee pain, more than likely it was your strength level and form that did you in.  There is also the possibility of arthritis, or some other medical issue, which I can not diagnose.  That would best be left to your physician, who I would also recommend you see before beginning a formal exercise program.  Afterwhich, I would start with the balance squat(two feet firmly planted on the ground), the suspended hamstring curl, and suspended hip abduction(* note: if you have cartilage issues in your knees, the suspended position might give you some trouble).  Be sure on the squat to only go through a range of motion that you can physically handle.  If that means starting with a half squat, then so be it.  That's one of the great things about the TRX, you can easily adjust for varying levels of ability.  Once you have built sufficient strength in your legs, you can progress back to the single leg squat  and balance lunge, but always watch your depth(range of motion) and match it to your ability level.  I hope this helps.

Jeff Boyer, CSCS

 Thank you very much, Jeff! That's a help. (It was one of the suspension exercises that hurt my knee, the one with the scissor-like legs movement.)

Alana

I am personally not a physical thearpist, but I have been using the TRX with my thearpist before and after my ACL surgery.  It was extreamly beneficial when I was just getting back to squatting again.  By being able to pull with my arms, there was not as much strain on the knee.  It also was very helpful in getting back to my single leg squats.  My balance was not 100%, so it was nice to hold onto the TRX.  And finally, I use it regularly to maintain my flexibility during this recovery period. 

-Shana

Hello, Dr Rerkash,

I am a Physiotherapist in Hamburg, Germany, and I use the TRX (along with similar rope-based devices that are more easily available in Germany) for a variety of diagnoses, ranging from lower back pain to Multiple Sclerosis.

It´s hard to decide what application it is most suitable for, since it´s such a versatile device.
Personally, I like to use it with all clients who have undergone surgery after they´ve torn their anterior cruciate ligament. It is also great for clients who have undergone arthroplasty of their Hips and Knees to help them build up some strength and balance. Speaking of balance: I also use it for Fall Prevention Programs for the Elderly or clients with neurological issues. In my opinion it is also suitable for people with pelvic floor issues.

Being no Native Speaker, I´m not sure what or whose challenges you had in mind.

Greetings, Olaf

We have had good results using the TRX along with certain kettlebell exercises for multiple shoulder diagnosis (impingement, adhesive cap, Tendonitis etc.) Focusing on quality of movement on the TRX and increased Thoracic mobility our sport specific population are returning to full participation fater then ever.  Be careful to watch for excessive lumbar extension with certain exercises as well as a compenastory shrug on the affected side