Fat Pad Impingement Early 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 3/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.

Perform this exercise up to 10 times, rest for 1 minute. Repeat routine 2-3 times.

1. Heel slide

  • Lay flat on your back or sit supported upright with the legs out straight on a flat, smooth surface – preferably wearing socks to reduce friction.
  • Slowly slide your heel along the surface up towards you by bending the knee, ensuring your knee remains in line with the hip and ankle.
  • Bring the heel as close to the hip as possible.
  • After a 2 second hold, begin straightening the knee by sliding the heel away from you.
Perform this exercise up to 15 times, rest for 1 minute. Repeat routine 2-3 times.

2. Hip bridge

  • Lie on your back on the floor or bed with your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet on the floor and your arms down by your side.
  • Push your heels down into the floor to gently lift your hips upwards. Lift as high as you feel comfortable but no higher than a straight line between hips, knees and shoulders.
  • Hold at the top for 5 seconds.
  • Push up as far as you feel comfortable, and pain and stiffness allow
Hold position for up to 30 seconds. Repeat routine 3 times on each side.

3. Isometric pillow press

  • Sit in a firm, stable chair and place a pillow on the floor under the foot of the targeted leg.
  • Push the foot down in to the pillow using the thigh and buttock muscles.
  • Hold the squeeze at around 70% of your maximum effort, pain should remain at or below 3/10 on your pain scale.

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

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
Advanced Exercise plan

This programme is a further progression increased emphasis on the strength of the area and moving towards more functional and dynamic tasks.

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