By Claudia Hornibrook, PT, ATC
Weekend warriors and seasoned runners alike dread knee osteoarthritis (OA). The good news? Proactive strength and movement coaching can delay — or even prevent — OA progression and surgery.
PT vs. Injections: The Numbers
APTA’s knee-OA analysis reports that quality-of-life gains minus health-care costs favor physical therapy by nearly $14,000 over steroid injections. valueofpt.com
The Athlete’s Missing Link
Research shows hip weakness, poor landing mechanics, and pelvic-floor dysfunction all increase load on the knee. Addressing whole-chain deficits keeps cartilage happier longer.
My Playbook
- Gait & jump-landing analysis — high-speed video pinpoints valgus collapse and asymmetries.
- Hip-to-core power training — lateral band walks, single-leg RDLs, and rotational slams build shock-absorbing strength.
- Pelvic-floor integration — yes, even athletes leak! Coordinating core pressure protects both spine and knees.
- Sport-specific conditioning — interval runs, agility drills, and load-management strategies tailored to your season.
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Whether you’re chasing PRs or chasing kids, a proactive PT program now can save you pain, downtime, and money later. Schedule your Motion performance screen and keep your knees game-ready for years to come.
