Edward R. Leahy Jr. Clinic for the Uninsured Physical Therapy Clinic

A common source of lateral knee pain can be tight structures on the side of the hip. Note in the anatomical image, the Iliotibial (IT) Band spans from the upper femur/hip to its attachment site on the lateral femoral condyle of the knee. This length of fascia is less responsive to the way we normally stretch muscles, so here are a few ways to combat tightness of the IT Band: Stretch the muscles that attach to the proximal IT Band, the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and the anter...ior fibers of the gluteus maximus. To stretch the TFL, stand by a wall with the side you want to stretch closest to the wall. Cross that leg behind your other leg and brace yourself against the wall. Lean your hip towards the wall until you feel a stretch in your upper, front hip. To stretch the anterior gluteus maximus, sit with your legs extended, and cross the intended hip over the other leg. Place your elbow/arm over that knee and push until you feel a mild stretch in you upper, back hip. Perform each stretch for 30 seconds, 3 times. If you have access to one, foam rolling the lateral hip can help break up adhesions in the IT Band. Seated on your roller, cross one leg over the other and support yourself with your hands on the floor. Be careful not to overdo this one! This can be uncomfortable depending on how tight your IT Band is. It’s also important not to roll over the greater trochanter or the lateral condyle of the femur, as both can cause further irritation and pain. Remember to only roll from just above the knee to about the level of your palm when standing with your arms by your side. Roll out for about 30 seconds, then rest. Repeat 2-3 times. Best of luck! Drop any questions in the comments and check out our Instagram page for video demonstrations (@leahy_pt). #PT #choosePT #physicaltherapy #probonoclinic #localPT #NEPA #Scranton #TheUniversityofScranton #LeahyClinic #wellness #ITBand #stretch #foamroller #kneepain #gluteusmaximus

Come check out the Leahy Clinic's most recent post on instagram to learn about some tips and tricks on staying hydrated! https://www.instagram.com/p/CGGHVg4HQ-i/

Did you know that water is one of the largest components of your body? Come check out the Leahy Instagram page to learn more about the benefits of water and hydration! https://www.instagram.com/p/CGA156jHs-H/

A friendly remainder on how we can all do our part to help one another stay safe!

Did you know that regular physical activity can help reduce and even prevent chronic low back pain? Come check out the Leahy Physical Therapy Clinic's most recent Instagram post to learn more! https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXM5pUH8ex/

To the Leahy PT Clinic community, our patients, and all those who have supported and participated in our clinic, a message from the Dean of PCPS: Because of necessary University precautions related to the coronavirus pandemic, the The Leahy Community Health and Family Center was closed until further notice in March of 2020. The space used for the Center in the lower level of McGurrin Hall will be converted for use by academic programs housed in PCPS for the fall 2020 academi...c semester. We appreciate the students, faculty and community members understanding during this difficult time of COVID-19. Please stay-tuned for news of when we will again reopen our various clinics: medical, counseling, physical therapy and low vision to the community. While we are saddened by this news, the Leahy Team plans to provide as many services and resources as possible throughout the semester. Stay tuned for future updates, resources and posts! If you have any questions feel free to contact us at [email protected] or (570)-941-6563.

We are proud to be a part of The Leahy Community Health and Family Center. Thank you to the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC) and to everyone who has taken part in providing quality care for those in our community.