Addressing the Gaps in a Patient's Exercise Program

Tough to Treat

This episode zeroes in on a scenario many physical therapists face: patients diligently following their exercise routines but not seeing the expected progress or recovery.

We discuss thorax, foot, and knee drivers as examples and why there can be holes in someone's program even after they've been doing advanced exercises. Being able to identify the patient's impairments is a good start.

We discuss common strength holes along with typical overactivity patterns in these patients. Susan and Erica also discuss a patient who is a high-level athlete with a fear-based movement that is a big hole in her program.

A glance at this episode:

• [4:00] Exercise program for patients with knee and foot issues, focusing on strengthening key muscles

• [7:30] Lunges and split squats for a runner with a thoracic driver

• [13:56] Proper lunge technique and addressing knee pain through strengthening exercises

• [20:24] Improving lunges with a stick and target practice

• [23:43] Lunges and squats for runners with a focus on proper form and progression

• [29:30] Exercise safety and program development for patients with knee pain

Related links:

• Tough To Treat Website

• Erica’s Course: Decoding the Complex Patient

• Susan’s Pelvic Health Education Subscription

• Access the Transcript