Struggling With Hip, Knee or Ankle Problems While Walking or Running?

And why is that squat or lunge so difficult? In my practice, glute tests often reveal weakness and this key muscle group is the culprit for many problems. When we walk or run, our gluteal (buttocks) muscles help to keep our pelvis level and maintain alignment all the way down through the hip, knee and ankle.

The gluteal muscles are designed to rotate and move our legs. When the glutes aren’t up to the task, the pelvis drops, and knees and ankles collapse inwards. As the leg struggles to compensate, it can lead to overuse and injury. Research has linked glute muscle weakness to pain and dysfunction in the low back, hip, IT-band, knee and Achilles tendon. Do you suffer from knee pain? The problem could be in your backside!

Physiotherapists are experts at isolating and testing the strength of the gluteal muscles and providing specific exercises to strengthen them without the other leg muscles taking over. The body is clever at compensating for weaknesses, so the correct exercise technique is essential to addressing the root problem! Your Physiotherapist at Core Restore can assess and improve your glute strength to protect your joints from misalignment and injury.

– Emily Adams, Hons.BSc., MSc.P.T., Registered Physiotherapist, Pelvic Floor & Orthopaedic Physiotherapist