Avoid Tunnel Vision

Many times, I will see a client who complains of knee pain.  During my initial assessment, I will check the knee strength and range of motion.  I will perform special tests to detect deficits with the ACL, PCL, Collateral Ligaments, Menisci, etc.  I will compare the "good" knee to the "bad" one with the prior tests and measures.  That would be considered a "FAIR" assessment.  But to provide a "GOOD" assessment, I must perform a 'peripheral joint scan' checking at least one joint above and one joint below the "problem" area to truly pinpoint the problem.  The knee pain could be caused by some biomechanical problem at the ankle such as over pronation due to tight gastrocnemius, tight soleus or restricted subtalar joint.  It could also be caused by weak hip musculature, particularly the posterior gluteus medius.  You may not pick up on these other areas as being potential causes until 2 or 3 sessions have gone by.  But the point is, do not have tunnel vision.  If your client attends 2 weeks of sessions, and there has been no change in the symptoms, that is your cue to look elsewhere as a possible cause.  Check one joint above and one joint below the knee.  You can usually detect signs of deficiency in these other joints while simply observing your client's posture, gait and stepping activities.  So always pay close attention to your client's movements, especially as they transition from one exercise or position to the next.  You will be surprised at what you see, as it may be the cause of their main complaint.