Returning to Competitive Weightlifting after Knee Surgery

Each month, Iron Physical Therapy highlights a special patient to tell their inspiring story. We want to honor the people who go all in - body, mind and spirit. They show us what’s possible - that you can move on from a setback to do amazing things...to challenge your body, to chase your dreams, to address pain in a healthy way to #getbetterbebetter.

Read Elise’s story below and then click here to read more inspiring patient stories.

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Elise has been weightlifting for about 5 years. At the end of last year, she started having knee pain that ultimately resulted in her needing exploratory surgery to relieve the issues causing her pain. Despite feeling like the odds were against her, she walked confidently into surgery and physical therapy, knowing that this was her way of getting back to the barbell.

She worked tirelessly on her prescribed exercises both at home and in the clinic especially focusing on getting her normal knee range of motion back after surgery.

It was not an easy road but she finally made it back to the barbell this month and has begun light training that is heavy on the smiles. I cannot wait to see her back on a platform competing in Weightlifting, I am truly grateful to have her both as a patient and a teammate.

-Dr. Taylor Payne, PT DPT

In Elise’s Own Words…

How would your friends describe you?

Passionate, authentic, creative. 

What Brought You Into Physical Therapy?

I’m a competitive weightlifter and was experiencing knee pain, which wasn’t resolving itself. Luckily, my teammate is Dr. Payne and she told me to stop in for a consult. I ultimately needed knee surgery and am now doing post-op PT. 

What advice do you have for other weightlifters having surgery?

Coming back from surgery is rough. Your mind says you can do one thing, but your body says another.

Have patience and give yourself grace. One year from now, you’ll look back on this moment and realize it was just a blip on the radar.

What you’re feeling now isn’t forever. Don’t give up and work hard to get back to where you were. 

What has been you biggest motivation to #getbetterbebetter?

I love weightlifting, but the knee pain I was experiencing took that away from me. My passion for this sport is my driving force to #getbetterbebetter. 

What have you learned at PT that you didn’t know before?

I’ve learned how the body can use different muscle groups to compensate for weaker ones. I have a whole series of exercises I do now, to “turn on” certain muscle groups, before doing any weightlifting. 

What are you most excited to get back to doing after PT?

I’m so excited to get back on the weightlifting platform. I’m also excited to be able to squat down and get that pesky pasta sauce from the bottom shelf in the grocery store, that is somehow always shoved to the back.