Fat Pad Impingement Advanced Exercise Programme

Aim to perform this programme a minimum of once per day unless prescribed otherwise. As with any new exercise, start slowly (repetitions as able) and build up as you are able within the guidelines below.

Pain should not exceed 4/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.

Perform this exercise up to 30 times, rest for 3 minutes. Repeat routine 3 times.

1. Weighted squat

  • Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and a weight placed evenly across your shoulders (back squat) or holding it securely against your chest (goblet squat).
  • Engage the abdominal region and in a controlled manner, sit back as if you are sitting into a chair.
  • At the same time, your head and chest will come forwards to maintain your balance, aim to keep your back straight.
  • Go down as far as you feel comfortable or until your thighs are parallel with the floor.
  • Come back up to standing and repeat.
Perform this exercise up to 30 times, rest for 3 minutes. Repeat routine 3 times.

2. Raised split squat

  • For this exercise, you will need a secure raised surface behind you such as a small step.
  • Stand upright in front of the surface facing away from it.
  • Transfer your weight on to the target leg and place the foot of the trailing leg up on the small step.
  • Bend the knee and hip of the standing leg so that your hips lower directly downwards to the point where the trailing knee is just off the floor.
  • Hold for 3 seconds before squeezing the buttock and thigh muscles to straighten the standing leg – do not forcibly lock out the knee.
  • Repeat for the recommended repetitions.
Perform this exercise up to 30 times, rest for 3 minutes. Repeat routine 3 times.

3. Deadlift

  • Stand upright with feet hip-width apart, a slight knee bend and a weight held in both hands.
  • Engage the abdominal region and in a controlled manner, bend forward at the hips trying to keep your back straight. Do not let your knees bend further. Let your hips press out backwards.
  • Go down as far as you feel comfortable or until your back starts to round.
  • Come back up to standing and repeat.

We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.

More Plans

Early Exercise plan

In this early plan, our focus is on maintaining good movement through the area whilst we try and reduce the severity of the symptoms. Pain should not exceed 3/10 on your perceived pain scale whilst completing this exercise programme.

No pain
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 910
Safe to exercise
Worst pain imaginable
Intermediate Exercise plan

This is the next progression. Here we start to try and regain strength in the thigh muscles to ensure optimal strength and stability around the knee. Pain should not exceed 4/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.

No pain
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 910
Safe to exercise
Worst pain imaginable