Q: I tore my MCL playing football. Unfortunately, the only working out I can do is upper body strength training. Is it possible to do an aerobic workout without using my lower body?
A: Check with your doctor to see if it’s okay to swim. Doing the front stroke or back stroke is often okay with an MCL injury, but do not perform the breast stroke as it will stress the knee and exacerbate the injury.
If your doctor does not want you to swim and you can only do upper-body exercise, check for one of two bikes in your gym: An Airdyne or upper-body ergometer. The Air-Dyne has pegs that stick out on the front wheel where you can rest your feet and push and pull with your arms. The ergometer is an upper-body bicycle made specifically for your arms.
About the Author
Sue Falsone | Director of Performance Physical Therapy and Team Sports
As the Director of Performance Physical Therapy and Team Sports, Sue Falsone provides the critical link between therapy and performance. She develops and implements therapy regimens for athletes at Athletes' Performance.
Sue received her bachelor's degree in physical therapy from Daemen College in Amherst, New York. She continued her education by earning a Master's Degree in Human Movement Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Sue has presented at both state and national level conferences in areas focusing on pillar strength, Integration of Physical Therapy and Performance Training and Comprehensive Kinetic Chain Assessment and Rehabilitation.
Sue is a board certified clinical specialist in sports physical therapy (SCS), a certified athletic trainer (ATC) and a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. She is certified in augmented soft tissue mobilization (ASTYM) through Performance Dynamics. She also holds an adjunct faculty position with the human movement program at AT Still University.
Focus at Athletes' Performance: Sue's exceptional hands-on skills and knowledge of human movement provides the critical link from therapy to performance. With her expertise, she develops and implements therapy regimens for the athletes and works closely with our performance coaches to integrate the rehabilitating athlete into the training process.
