Fix Knee Tendonitis So I Can Continue Training

[mattkodatt]

Hi Rip,

Weight 285 lb
Height 6'0"
Age 45

I ran the LP in 2019 and 2020 and got my squats up to 350 lbs (3x5) and 415 lbs (1RM). However, once I got my 3x5 above 315, I started having terrible knee pain. To keep progressing, I dropped to 2 workouts per week and had to ice my knees multiple times daily. I took some time off to try to recover in June 2020, and then lost access to my gym in July. I've been back to lifting for the last 3 weeks, and I started the squat at 135 and I've been making 20 lb jumps each workout. After I hit 225 for 3x5 the knee pain has started again, and it hurts to just do normal daily activities.

I researched your site and my understanding is that I need to do box squats and keep my knees from sliding forward with a TUBOW. My questions are:

• How long to I need to do box squats to recover?
• Do I add 5 lbs to my box squat each workout?
• How do I know when I am ready for standard back squats again?

Thanks!

[Mark Rippetoe]

Video?