Easy test for hip strength can predict knee pain risk
Knee and thigh pain are some of the most common complaints that we see in our pediatric and adult athletic patients, whether they run track, play softball or compete in triathalons. Many times, patients will come in with a stack of CD’s containing MRIs, x-rays and other testing done on their leg to no avail — they’re still in pain. Since nailing down the exact cause of knee and thigh pain can be tricky (especially if there is nothing showing up on imaging), chiropractic sports physicians and other rehab specialists started testing various hypothesis on how muscle imbalances in the hips and legs might contribute to knee pain.
Proper positioning during the SLST
One of these hypothesis is that weakness in the muscles that abduct the hip (keep the thigh from tilting towards the midline) creates additional pressure on the thigh and knee, creating additional wear and tear along the backside of the patella. To test the strength of these hip muscles, we have the patient stand on one leg and perform a small squat or dip, keeping the torso perpendicular with the ground. If the hip, knee and ankle all stay in one line during the test, the patient’s hip strength is good. If the knee moves towards the midline during the test, the patient’s hip strength is poor. This test is called the Single Leg Squat Test (SLST).
Athough this hypothesis has been working well for doctors in a clinical setting, researchers at the
Failing position during the SLST
Melbourne School of Engineering in Australia wanted to test the reliablity of the SLST for measuring hip strength as well as predicting risk for knee pain. In the February issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, their study was published and it confirmed that the SLST was a reliable tool and also can identify those at risk for knee pain. What’s even better about the SLST is that it doesn’t cost anything to perform and can be done by the sports doctor in 60 seconds — much easier than spending thousands of dollars on MRIs and CT scans.
It’s important to see a doctor who is familiar with sports injuries and also is up to date on the latest diagnostic and treatment methods to get you back to your sport as quickly as possible. Although family practice and immediate care physicians are great at detecting fractures and life threatening conditions, they may not be up to date on functional strength tests such as the SLST and possibly miss the true cause of your knee pain.
If you have knee pain or think that you might not pass the SLST, feel free to email me at drerin@ducatchiropractic.com and I would be glad to answer your questions. Remember the longer you compete on an injured or weak area, the longer it will take to get back to 100%!