I’ve just returned from a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting and weekend seminar learning about treatment of knee and foot dysfunction and the connection between the foot, knee, ankle and the hip.   

The course was delivered by Dr Evan Osar who is a chiropractor (all the way from Chicago) and expert in assessment and corrective exercise to stabilise how individuals move to solve chronic postural and movement dysfunction.

Over the weekend the seminar covered the functional anatomy of the knee and ankle-foot complex, how poor stabilisation and biomechanics can lead to degeneration in joints such as the knees and hips and other conditions such as plantar fasciitis. Also, how exercises commonly given to ‘improve’ stability are more likely to reinforce bad habits, thereby leading to further injury; if these are carried out incorrectly without making sure correct alignment, foot function and breathing are addressed first.

I learnt more about how by getting back to the basics of foot function and better alignment of our bodies we gain more efficient stabilisation and function and reduce pain and prevent recurrence of injury patterns.  It made me think a little differently about assessment and rehabilitation exercises as I learnt:

·         When to recognise true pronation

·         When with whom orthotics may be useful

·         The motion of the knee in movement

·         The connection between the foot and the pelvic floor (and the diaphragm and the pelvic floor)

·         How common glutes strengthening exercises may aggravate rather than improve injury

·         The connection between posture, alignment, and degeneration in joints

·         What optimal function looks like

·         The role of breathing and the diaphragm in creating stability

Not many injuries happen ‘out of the blue’ as some people think.  Most are the result of repetitive poor postural and movement habits coupled with the length of time you’ve been doing these. Usually the injury point is just the weak link in the chain; the area that’s been under most strain or taking most of the force for longest.

It was great over the weekend to realise how, as a soft tissue therapist, I have the skills to apply techniques that will make you feel a lot better quickly, including release and activation of muscles; I can also help you to learn corrective exercises to achieve optimal function to prevent these injuries from recurring and help you get the most from your body.

So if you’re currently injured, have been carrying some niggle or strain, or are just interested in working on the ‘long game’ and introducing some new corrective exercises to prevent injuries (which may mean going back to basics), make an appointment and let me know.