{"id":958,"date":"2011-04-23T06:59:47","date_gmt":"2011-04-23T13:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/?p=958"},"modified":"2011-04-23T07:06:15","modified_gmt":"2011-04-23T14:06:15","slug":"using-the-single-leg-squat-to-identify-hip-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.brianschiff.com\/?p=958","title":{"rendered":"Using the Single Leg Squat to Identify Hip Dysfunction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unearthing the cause of anterior knee pain and ridding our patients and clients of it is one of the never ending searches for the “Holy Grail” we participate in throughout training and rehab circles. \u00a0I honestly believe we will never find one right answer or simple solution. \u00a0However, I do think we continue to gain a better understanding of just how linked and complex the body really is when it comes to the manifestation of knee pain and movement compensations.<\/p>\n

We used to say rehab and train the knee if the knee hurts. \u00a0It was simply strengthen the VMO and stretch the hamstrings, calves and IT Band. \u00a0Slowly, we began looking to the hip as well as the foot and ankle as culprits in the onset of anterior knee pain. \u00a0The idea of the ankle and hip joint needing more mobility to give the knee its desired level of stability has risen up and seems to have good traction these days.<\/p>\n

Likewise, therapists and trainers have known for some time that weak hip abductors play into increased femoral internal rotation and adduction thereby exposing the knee to harmful valgus loading. So, clam shells, band exercises and leg raises have been implemented to programs across the board.<\/p>\n

\"theraband-single-leg-hip-rotation-finish\"

Single Leg Resisted Hip External Rotation<\/p><\/div>\n

As a former athlete who has tried his hand at running over the past 5 years, I have increasingly studied, practiced and analyzed the use and importance of single leg training and its impact on my performance and injuries. \u00a0As I dive deeper into this paradigm, I continue to believe and see the benefits of this training methodology for all of my athletes (not just runners).<\/p>\n

As a therapist and strength coach, it is my job to assess movement, define asymmetries and correct faulty neuromuscular movement patterns. \u00a0To that end, I have developed my own assessments, taken the FMS course, and increasingly observed single leg strength, mobility, stability and power in the clients I serve. Invariably, I always find imbalances – some small and some large ones.<\/p>\n

What are some of the most common issues I see?<\/p>\n

Here is a list of the most prevalent things I see in many people I work with:<\/p>\n