Post partum knee … weak transverse abs/core?

[Thetourrrre]

both my knees have hurt for over 18months now. Seen numerous physios and followed their rehab plan to the t, all diagnosed patellofemoral syndrome. Made little progress though and always felt I had not got to the bottom of things. New physio last week, immediately identified a core, specifically transverse abs. Anyone else experience weak core and knee pain? Really hope this is the missing link. I had an unplanned C-section btw.

been devastating having this injury drag on for so long.

Not a physio, but a Pilates teacher. Weaker core muscles can certainly increase knee pain. Firstly, a weakened core will mean that your posture probably isn’t as good as it could be, which will push things out of alignment. If your skeleton isn’t weight bearing in the way that it’s supposed to, then this can cause pain. (If it helps to visualise it, think of a badly assembled flat pack bookshelf which will be wobbly and facing pressure in areas that weren’t intended to).

Secondly, if your core muscles aren’t working as hard as they should, then other muscles will be doing the work which could lead to additional stressors on the lower extremities.

I would say that improving your trunk strength and your posture will almost certainly lead to improvements.

@QueenOfToast thank you for your reply! I was looking for a reassuring post such as yours, appreciate it.