Are you struggling with knee pain and feeling like it’s just a normal part of aging? I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way! Today, I will share my personal journey from severe knee pain in my 20s to becoming someone who, at age 50, can now confidently do a full sissy squat. I want to empower you to take control of your knee health and embrace a pain-free, independent, and active life. Let’s dive into the secrets of achieving strong and healthy knees!
Breaking Free from the Pain
In my younger years, I experienced excruciating knee pain. I was teaching 12 step aerobics classes on 3 risers. Looking back, it seems absurd, but this was my life and I loved pushing my limits. But knee pain also seemed like a family curse as many of my relatives also suffered from knee issues.
As a fitness enthusiast, I was determined not to accept this fate. I sought help from a doctor who diagnosed me with Chondromalacia Patella, a condition where the cartilage wears down and causes severe pain. I was advised to avoid exercises that put pressure on my knees or risk living with chronic pain.
However, this caution didn’t deter me from seeking a solution. I realized that the key to overcoming knee pain lies in strengthening the muscles around the knee and supporting joint mobility. I embarked on a journey to regain my knee health and vitality, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Understanding the Root Causes of Knee Pain
Many people believe that knee pain is an inevitable part of getting older, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Knee pain is often a symptom of other underlying issues, such as overuse, weak ankles, weak hips, and immobile joints. By addressing these root causes, we can relieve knee pain and improve joint health.
Building a Supportive Team if Pain is from an Injury
Before we get into the general population who deal with knee pain, I want to address those for whom an injury has occurred or you’ve been told by a doctor that surgery is inevitable.
To tackle chronic knee pain effectively, it’s essential to have the right team of practitioners on your side. While conventional doctors play a crucial role in diagnosing injuries and conditions, adding specialists such as corrective exercise experts and physical therapists to your team can be a game-changer.
A corrective exercise specialist can assess your form and movement patterns, identifying any biomechanical issues that may be contributing to your knee pain. They can create a customized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your knees and improve joint stability.
Many who have sought the help of such experts have found themselves able to avoid surgery which makes it worth exploring.
The Power of Mobility Conditioning
Mobility conditioning is an often-overlooked aspect of joint health. Unlike static stretching, mobility exercises focus on enhancing joint range of motion, which is vital for pain-free movement. Including mobility exercises in your daily routine can make a significant difference in relieving knee pain and preventing future issues.
The good news is that there is no perfect time of day to do these. By simply doing them as a warm up before a workout, doing them before bed, or even off and on throughout your day, you’ll increase your range of motion if you’re consistent and disciplined to just getter done…
And although mobility through ALL joints is important, to relieve knee pain, working on hip and ankle mobility are crucial.
And it doesn’t have to long. I’ve put together a simple and affordable series of exercises for you to do at home in as little as 5 minutes a day, or you can stack exercises for a more robust focus.
This program also includes knee strengthening exercises. This is simple and straightforward and easy enough for the beginner. As always, be sure to contact your physician to be sure this or any other exercise program is right for you.
Taking Action
If you’re ready to reclaim your knee health and enjoy pain-free movement, I encourage you to take action today. Begin by consulting a certified personal trainer or corrective exercise specialist to assess your form and develop a personalized workout plan. This is always the best case scenario in my book!
Remember, baby girl, knee pain should not be a normal part of your life. There is hope, and you have the power to improve your knee health and embrace a life of freedom and mobility. Don’t let knee pain hold you back; start building strength and mobility today, and discover the freedom of healthy knees at any age!
