Listening Time — 28:32
Jennifer Francis was an active runner until her mid-20s. Then a pain spiral that began in her knee, hip, and outer thigh left her unable to be physically active. The problems lasted for two years until even walking became painful.
Jennifer looked for and got help from medical providers. She did everything she was told to do, but nothing worked. In pain, inactive, and gaining weight, Jennifer was discouraged. Then she found help from physical therapists.
Her physical therapists asked her the right questions. They identified her problems and treated the physical issues others had missed. She was battling a common overuse injury called IT band syndrome, and a tear in the cartilage in her hip.
As an athlete, Jennifer was strong, but she had muscle imbalances and coordination issues that stressed her joints. Physical therapy was the key to her recovery. Through muscle and function retraining, she was able to run four miles and squat 45 pounds — pain free — within a few months.
Listen as Jennifer shares the insights she learned through physical therapy. Joining her is physical therapist Sareena Sathe who discusses Jennifer's case and the lessons it holds for others. This "best of" Move Forward Radio episode first aired in 2019.
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