Corrective Exercise Toolkit

Squat Compensation

Common squat compensations include heel lift, forward trunk lean, and knee valgus.

Lower Limb - Movement

Biomechanical Mechanism

Ankle dorsiflexion limits, hip mobility restrictions, and poor core control contribute to compensation patterns.

Clinical Rationale

Compensatory squat patterns increase injury risk. Addressing mobility and control improves mechanics.

Practical Solution

Identify the limiting segment and correct it before increasing load or depth.

Common Compensations

Progression

  1. 1Level 1: Mobility
  2. 2Level 2: Pattern re-education
  3. 3Level 3: Loaded squat
  4. 4Level 4: Dynamic integration

Regression

  • Reduce depth
  • Use support
  • Slow tempo

Red Flags

Differential Diagnosis

Ankle restrictionsHip mobility deficitsCore stability issues
Related Assessments
overhead squat assessmentgoblet squat assessment
Related Exercises
goblet squatwall ankle mobhip carsdead bugglute bridgehip flexor stretchankle dorsiflexion mobcalf stretchgoblet squat holdoverhead squat

Evidence

Level: limited

Evidence for correcting squat compensations with exercise is indirect; protocols are derived from mobility, strength, and motor control studies.

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