18/09/2025
If you have mild, annoying knee pain, do these to make it go away.
1. HEEL-CENTRIC HIP BRIDGE (w/ or w/o Foam Roller)
Set-up: Lie on back, knees bent ~90°, heels on foam roller, toes up.
Action: Push through heels to lift hips.
Focus: Hamstrings + core engaged, back neutral, squeeze glutes for stability.
Recs: 3×10–15 sec holds.
Considerations: Should feel hard to hold, not exhausting.
2. MODIFIED WALL SIT (i)
Set-up: Back against wall, feet 1–2 foot-lengths forward, knees slightly bent.
Action: Hold semi-squat, weight even on both feet.
Focus: Knees slightly out, back flat, feel thigh/hip burn (not knee pain).
Recs: 3×15–20 sec holds.
Considerations: If knee pain > muscle burn, slide higher.
3. SINGLE HIP HINGE (Wall Supported)
Set-up: Stand facing away from wall, back foot flat on wall at knee height, front foot grounded.
Action: Hinge at hips, lower torso toward floor, then return.
Focus: Hamstrings + glutes of front leg, control movement, avoid hip rotation.
Recs: 3×12–15 reps/side, slow and controlled.
Considerations: Feel tension in hamstrings/glutes, not lower back. Use support if balance is tough.
4. STEP-UP HOLD
Set-up: Stand in front of a sturdy step or box (knee height or lower). Place one foot fully on the step, other foot on the ground.
Action: Push through the foot on the step to bring yourself up until the top leg is straight, then hold this top position. Keep hips level.
Focus: Quads and glutes of the stepping leg working hard. Core braced, avoid leaning too far forward or letting the knee cave in.
Recs: 3×10–15 sec holds per leg.
Considerations: Use a lower step if knee pain is sharp or balance feels unsteady.
Conclusion: It’s not suppose to be tiring, just challenging.