02/04/2026
As an exercise therapist, I see a lot of movement-related and 'use' injuries and I support people to change their habits and patterns to help the body recover (and prevent future injury).
Often, in my experience, people don’t realise that their body’s movements have changed so much over time and that they differ wildly from how they might have moved really well when they were young children. When supporting people who want to improve the function of their bodies, it’s so important that I discourage any thoughts that they shouldn’t have done something or that this is their ‘fault’ – that way of thinking doesn’t help anyone. Instead, we work with what we have and accept that every body will have adapted its use for valid reasons and that there is no blame in that.
Look at what is above and/or below the site of pain, discomfort or weakness. In my experience, it is rarely the site of pain that is the sole problem. For example, if it’s your knee that is experiencing pain, discomfort or weakness, take a look at the hips/buttocks/core as well as the ankles and feet: you might notice some adapted movement or usage and realise that the knee is the ‘referred’ site of pain/discomfort. When working with clients, I might leave the knee alone and identify the adapted movement patterns, to bring awareness, as well as suggest ways for the surrounding sites to move more effectively and build strength.
