One of the most helpful pieces of information in our line of work, is the idea of mobile joints vs stable joints. It’s no surprise that different joints come with different responsibilities, but remembering which joints are meant to move, and which are meant to maintain stability is a key takeaway.
For example, the foot likes to be stable, the ankle likes to be mobile, the knee is stable, while the hip joint is mobile. This alternating pattern continues on up the kinetic chain in order to coordinate complex movement patterns. We use this information in order to take a step back and look at the way the body is functioning as a unit. If you have knee pain, there is a high likelihood that either the hip or ankle, or both is lacking mobility. They aren’t moving enough (which is their job), so the knee has too move more (not it’s job).
Treat Locally, Think Globally
We always want to treat locally while thinking globally. This way we avoid needless, and often less-effective treatments. This will save time, and money in getting people back to whatever movement they enjoy. We say this, to say that it may seem weird that we focus on joint structures that are not the ones in pain. Pain is an indicator that something is wrong. It fails to mention where that problem is located. That’s our job.