Can an adult with bowed legs be treated with corrective exercise? Does she have to get surgery?
I have a client who is very bowed legged and would like for me to design a fitness program for her. She does not currently have pain in the knees, but I am concerned that a general fitness plan may cause issues in future because of her bowed legs. I conducted a movement assessment with her and it was just her lower body that had issues (only the bowed legs and excessive forward lean). How would you treat this situation without exacerbating her issue? Exercises and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!
Hello Kimber Williams,
Corrective exercise should help; but, do not ignore doctor orders. I would start with whole body flexibility to get more, if not, full ROM. Listen to the client and their body, this is going to take time; but, it can be done. Start slowly, as Courtney suggests, and be gentle; slow and steady wins the race.
No pain is a good sign; let the client choose the moves that feel comfortable and insist on daily stretching and myofascial release.
When the person is more mobile, add body weight moves one at a time so you know what will cause a reaction or not. Be sure to eat properly and get enough recuperative sleep.
Remember, a flexible muscle is a strong muscle.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.