Notice when you squeeze your hips while standing up, the knee caps rotate out. This is a prime example of how your hip can impact your knee! Now, while standing, let the arches of your feet collapse. Notice how your knee falls inwards? This is an example of how the ankle impacts the knee/hip. These are all examples of regional interdependence in the lower body.
By improving the motion, strength, and control of one joint, you can impact other joints.
How do we apply this to the hips, knees, and back?
On the flip side, if you’re not moving well at one joint or a muscle group is weak, this can impact other areas of the body. For example, if someone is having an issue with their back or knee, we will assess the hips in physical therapy. This is because the hips play a huge role in the control and distribution of forces in both the back and the knee!
If the hips are weak, the low back may have to compensate. Think about if you’re lifting something up and your hip extensors are weak (the muscles that help you stand back up). First, your back will extend to help you stand up, therefore increasing the demand on your back. Think about if you’re running and the sides of the hips are weak. You may notice the hip pop out to the side or your pelvis drop. Also, this changes the position of the back and requires more out of those muscles/joints of the back, because the hip isn’t strong enough.
By improving hip mobility and strength, you can take more stress off the back and improve control of the knee and even the ankle.
So, now what?
If you’re thinking, well…now what? Check out my programs in the Paradigm of Perfection + Train App! They can help you to focus on the area where you need the most help. Moreover, you may also notice improvements in other areas due to regional interdependence!
Hopefully you found this helpful! Remember, no one is perfect and that in itself is perfect!
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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
