Often times when we see individuals’ knees collapsing towards each other in movements like the squat, the first thought that comes to mind is “weak knees”. It seems like a simple fix: get the muscles around the knees stronger.

However, what if you were told that this idea was actually incorrect in most cases? Knee positioning in the squat is actually controlled by the hip musculature, namely hip external rotators and abductors.

If the muscles of the hip are not strong enough to help the femur (thigh bone) maintain its position of external rotation and abduction at the hip joint, this is where we see knees collapsing towards one another.

All of the quadriceps and hamstring isolation exercises in the world will most likely not improve knee positioning in the squat.

If you’re unsure where to begin, come in for an evaluation and individualized rehab program designed by our licensed Physical Therapists in Glendale, Manhasset or Kew Gardens (soon to be Briarwood) to start moving in the right direction.

Christian Cardenas, PT, DPT, CSCS