Today, your hosts discuss the importance of caring for the knees, which are responsible for moving us forward in life. They explain how the health of the arches, the length/strength of the muscles, and the ankle mobility all have an impact on the health of the knees. They also share their personal journeys and research on the topic, encouraging listeners to take what works for them and leave what doesn't.
Riley discusses the importance of taking care of the knees, as they absorb four times the stress for every pound of body weight. The knee is the most complex joint in the body, made up of two separate joints - the femur connection to the tibia and the femur connection to the patella.
Courtney and Riley continue to walk you through the anatomy and functions of the knee joint. They mention the ACL, MCL, and cartilage, as well as the hamstring and quads muscles, which all play an important role in knee movement and stability. They also discuss the importance of strengthening the glutes and the impact they have on the health of the knee, hip, and ankle joints. Courtney suggests mobilizing the quadriceps and IT band to reduce knee pain and inflammation. Riley introduces a self massage technique that creates space in the knee joint by expanding the knee cap with sun ray movements. Lastly, your hosts mention the importance of being aware of the state of the knees in order to move forward with proper care and healing. The conversation began with a discussion about the patella, or kneecap, which is a unique identifier in the body. It is interesting to note that we are born without kneecaps and they form from cartilage to bone between the ages of two to six. This is why it is important to create circulation and lubricate the area to support the kneecap. The speakers then discussed the importance of taking care of the muscles around the kneecap by avoiding knee knocking and hyperextension. Hyperextension is often seen in activities such as cheerleading, however it is important to keep a micro bend in the knee throughout the day. By doing this, it will also activate the glutes, core, and neck, bringing them into proper alignment.
Timestamps
0:00:12 Kicking off
0:03:37 Knee Health: Understanding the Anatomy and How to Strengthen & Lengthen Muscles
0:06:15 Conversation on Knee Anatomy and Injury Prevention
0:10:11 Knee Mobility
0:12:08 Exploring the Relationship Between Body Pain and The Brain
0:14:46 Exploring the Energetics of the Root Chakra and the Role of the Knees
0:16:50 Exploring the Relationship Between Physical Strength and Confidence: A Discussion on Fitness and Wellness
0:21:08 Exploring Knee Pain: Strengthening Your Intuitive Muscle and Listening to Your Body's Signals
0:22:33 Strengthening and Lengthening Muscles for Pain-Free Movement
Resources:
https://www.courtneysprawls.com/programs
