“My knees can’t pass my toes.” Sally told me last week when we were re-evaluating her to return to pickleball.

I asked her why she thought this? She had been told by previous PTs it was “bad” for knees. 

I find statements like "avoid this exercise" or "this movement is harmful" troubling. Having been on the receiving end of those statements,  I understand the impact of those hurtful words! They not only sting, they erode people’s confidence in their bodies and limit their ability to participate in actives they love

The Institute of Physical Art has significantly shaped my approach as a physical therapist. A fundamental principle in their teachings is the recognition of everyone's potential, and our role is to facilitate its realization. I wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy and have consistently witnessed its transformative power throughout my 15-year career.

I clarified to Sally that allowing the knees to pass the toes is not inherently harmful; it depends on various factors, including the knee's condition and the individual's goals. In Sally's case, aspiring to dominate the local pickleball courts necessitates the capacity for her knees to move past their toes.

So, why challenge the conventional wisdom, and why does it matter? This recommendation originated from a 1960s study comparing ligament laxity in weight lifters to the general population. The study incorrectly concluded that squatting, a common activity among weight lifters, was detrimental to the knees due to increased laxity. Unfortunately, this misinformation was widely disseminated by sources like Sports Illustrated and propagated by physicians and physical therapists for the next 40 to 50 years.

Over the past two decades, substantial high-quality evidence has emerged to dispute this claim. Numerous studies have shown that regular squatting can lead to improved knee stability and overall joint health, not to mention the broader benefits of living a longer, healthier life.

Clients often encounter dogmatic advice or interventions from the medical community. Our team is committed to being the top physical therapists in DC, consistently striving to learn and implement best practices. This dedication empowers us to unlock our clients' movement potential using the most effective and up-to-date evidence and techniques in modern clinical practice.

If you have any burning questions related to movement that you're uncertain about, feel free to share them, and we'll be happy to provide insights and answers.

Have a wonderful month!

Warmly

Joe