Why are Hip & Knee Pain common?
Another common issue I see with many of my clients is the combination of hip and knee pain. While arthritis can sometimes contribute to these problems, and while I can’t eliminate arthritis itself, there are ways to manage and alleviate the symptoms. The key is identifying the root cause of the pain in the hip or knee.
Why do golfers experience hip pain?
In many cases, hip pain is related to a lack of range of motion. You might struggle to internally or externally rotate your hip, which could be due to muscle tightness or restrictions in the hip capsule that provides stability. I evaluate whether it’s a restriction or mobility issue, or if there is weakness in the muscles above or below the hip or knee. Once I get the right muscles functioning properly, the range of motion in the hip improves.
why is it important to fix hip pain?
For golfers, internal hip rotation is particularly important. During the backswing, the trail hip needs to internally rotate, and during the follow-through, the lead hip must rotate as well. If there’s a restriction in either rotation, it can put stress on the lower back or the knee. Correcting these hip issues—whether they’re related to range of motion, strength, or stability—can prevent pain from radiating to other areas.
why is knee pain caused by hip pain, and how can how can it effect golfers?
Knee pain often stems from dysfunction in the hip. Since the hip controls the movement of the knee, weakness in the muscles around the hip can result in the knee bending inward or outward during the golf swing, which adds stress to the knee joint. If you’re loading into the hip on your backswing, this can pinch the meniscus or other structures inside the knee. The follow-through is especially problematic, as you’re swinging with significant speed and placing a lot of pressure on the lead knee. Without the necessary strength and stability, the knee may pivot improperly, leading to injury.
how to avoid knee pain?
I often see issues in golfers who fully extend their lead knee during the swing. A notable example is Tiger Woods, whose aggressive knee extension led to stress fractures and other injuries that required surgery. To avoid this, it’s crucial to address the strength, stability, and mobility of the joints surrounding the knee and hip. By doing so, I can correct swing faults, reduce pain, and protect against further injury.
What makes Paul Hendricks Different?
Over the last 30 years, I have become known in the Austin area as “The Body Pro,” the leading golf-specific physical therapist and performance specialist. I’ve had countless people come to me from miles around seeking help. Many of these individuals had previously seen doctors and were told that surgery was their only option. In many cases, I’ve been able to help them avoid surgery altogether.
I’ve also worked with many people who have undergone surgery and were told they would never be able to play golf or enjoy the social activities they love again. I am proud to say that the majority of these individuals have returned to doing the things they enjoy, and they’ve become some of my most enthusiastic supporters.
What sets me apart at Body Balance Physical Therapy is the personalized and one-to-one care I provide. When you come to see me, I take the time to truly listen. I’ll sit down with you, giving you as much time as you need, so you feel heard and never rushed. I want to understand your entire story, from beginning to end, and consider anything you believe is relevant to your recovery. My goal is to help you make the most informed decision about your care. Sometimes physical therapy is the right choice, and sometimes it may not be, but I want to help you figure that out.
I also prioritize education. I take the time to explain what might be happening with your body, using models to clarify the issues, and I aim to empower you. I want to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to stop the pain and get back to your normal daily life and activities.
At Body Balance Physical Therapy, my philosophy is based on one-on-one care. You’ll always work with a licensed professional therapist, and because of that personalized attention, I see fast, long-lasting results. I help you get back to doing the things you love, and I do it with great success.
How Can People Find Out More About working with Paul Hendricks?
If you’re experiencing hip, knee, back, neck, or shoulder pain, I offer several free resources to help you manage it effectively at home and start your journey to full recovery.
The first option is to download one of my free pain reports available on this site. These reports are specific to various parts of the body and provide helpful tips to address common pain areas, such as neck pain, shoulder pain, or back pain, while also exploring how they impact golfers specifically.
Arrange a FREE Telephone Consultation
Another option is to schedule a free telephone consultation with me or my team. During this call, we can discuss what you’re dealing with, how long you’ve been suffering, and how your pain is affecting your daily activities. This will help us identify whether it’s a strength or mobility issue, and we can then discuss personalized treatment options that can get you the results you’re looking for.
You also have the opportunity to arrange a free discovery visit, which typically lasts for 20 minutes. These visits can be made either in person or over the phone if you’re outside the Austin area. Ideally, I encourage you to visit my clinic, where we can have a more detailed conversation about your pain, medical history, and past injuries. We’ll discuss what you’re struggling with and what activities you’d like to return to.
After understanding your story, I’ll determine the best next steps. This might involve a physical therapy evaluation if you’re dealing with an injury or a golf performance assessment to improve your strength, mobility, and overall quality of life.
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