Squats + knee problems = impossible?

[kaply]

I'm about 265-275 lbs. Have been trying to do squats for a while but always have a problem with my knees. I asked a Physical Therapist about it and he mentioned that it's a problem with my knee caps pushing on my ligaments under it causing me pain. Is this something I totally can't work around?

Bodyweight full squats are ok, but I do hear some "noise" coming from my left knees (just checked). No pain coming from it though. I'm usually ok with just the bar and maybe doing 1/2 squats. Sometimes I do end up with a pain in my right knee.

I tried taking a wider stance but still has the same problems.

[Axis]

Click Me.
This thread may help you.

[kaply]

Ok, somehow this exercise just "clicked" together for me one day and now I've got it down to where I can go to half way down. Basically it was an issue with my form. Was too afraid to stick my butt far enough back so that all the weight/pressure? ended up on my knees. I'm assuming I've got this down correctly cause I don't feel any pain in my knees even when squatting 245lbs.

[Kaiser]

I have knee issues and the following helped me.

A great way to work on your technique in a safe environment is to grab a bench in front of some mirrors and do safety squats on the bench with just your bodyweight. Work on your form and try to work up to as many as 50 reps. If possible, have a knowledgeable trainer check out your form and give you tips early on - this will be worth it's weight in gold later in your lifting life. Once you have this, you can do it without the bench with just your bodyweight and see how deep you can go. Move up to DBs, and then up to a barbell. It is a nice safe progression that allows your body to get used to proper form in a safe enviroment and allows you to see what your knees can handle when you have proper form without having to worry about a barbell balancing across your neck.