June 2025: The Knee — Caught In The Middle

Welcome to 'The Vibrant Life' – a monthly newsletter where muscle health takes center stage, alongside movement, wellness, nutrition, and all the elements that contribute to a strong, vibrant you.

Understanding Knee Pain: It’s Often Not the Knee

Knee pain is one of the most common complaints I see—and yet, the knee is rarely the true culprit. Surprised? Most people are.

Here’s the deal: the majority of muscles that move and stabilize the knee attach at the hip or foot. So when there’s instability in either of those areas, the knee ends up taking the hit.

Common Patterns That Affect the Knee

1. Overpronation

Pronation is a normal part of walking, but when you stay in it too long—like when your arch collapses—your foot rolls inward more than it should. Your knee naturally follows, and your body compensates. Often, the outer leg (like the IT band) tightens to hold things together, which can lead to tension and discomfort around the knee.

2. Weak Hip External Rotators

When the hip’s external rotators are weak, the hip tends to fall into internal rotation. To compensate, the lower leg may rotate outward to keep you walking straight. The knee ends up caught in the middle, absorbing stress from the misalignment.

3. Limited Ankle Mobility

If your ankle lacks mobility, your knee may be forced to over-bend or twist to compensate during walking, squatting, or even standing. This added stress can lead to irritation or injury over time.

How Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) Can Help

MAT helps identify and correct weaknesses and imbalances at their source. We don’t just chase symptoms—we restore mobility with stability, so your body can move the way it’s meant to.

If your knee has been talking to you, it might be time to listen to the rest of the story. Let’s find out what it’s really trying to say.

Step Up Your Movement with Barefoot Living

Speaking of movement patterns and foot mechanics… I’m excited to share that my Back to Barefoot Digital Course is launching this summer!

This self-paced course will guide you through the essentials of barefoot living:

• Foot anatomy and healthy movement

• Posture, strength, and daily habits that support your body from the ground up

• Tools to move with more strength, ease, and confidence

Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, this course will give you the tools to move better—from the ground up.

Stay tuned—full details are coming soon, and you won’t want to miss it!

Until next time: Keep tuning into your body, stay curious, and take one vibrant step at a time. Here’s to stronger knees, better movement, and a life that feels good from the ground up.