At Fox Physical Therapy Sports and Orthopedics, we take pride in doing more than just treating pain—we get to the root of it. One of the key concepts we apply in our evidence-based care is called regional interdependence, and it’s a game-changer in how we help our patients move, feel, and live better.
What Is Regional Interdependence?
Regional interdependence is the idea that pain in one part of the body may actually be caused by dysfunction in a completely different region. The body doesn’t operate in isolated parts—it functions as a connected, coordinated system. So when one area isn’t working properly, another area may pick up the slack—and that’s often where the pain shows up.
Our team at Fox PT sees this all the time: shoulder pain linked to limited upper back mobility, low back discomfort tied to tight hips, or knee issues stemming from poor ankle control. When we treat pain, we think globally—not just locally.
Common Examples We See at Fox PT
- Low Back Pain: Sometimes it’s not your back at all—it’s tight hips, a weak core, or even restricted ankles that are forcing the spine to overwork.
- Shoulder Pain: We often assess thoracic (mid-back) mobility and even core stability before we dive into the shoulder itself.
- Knee Pain: Faulty mechanics in the foot or weakness in the glutes can change how your knee is loaded, leading to chronic issues.
How We Apply This at Fox PT
At Fox Physical Therapy Sports and Orthopedics, we use a comprehensive, whole-body approach to assessment and treatment. Here’s what that means for you:
Thorough Evaluations
Your first visit isn’t just about where you hurt. We evaluate your movement from head to toe—how you walk, squat, reach, and move—to identify underlying dysfunctions throughout the kinetic chain.
Clinical Reasoning That Looks Beyond the Obvious
We’re trained to think differently. We don’t chase pain—we find its cause. If your knee hurts, we’re going to check your hips, feet, and everything in between.
Targeted Manual Therapy + Corrective Exercise
We combine hands-on manual techniques with personalized exercises to restore mobility and strength exactly where you need it—whether or not that’s the painful area.
Patient Education
At Fox PT, education is empowerment. We teach you why you’re in pain and how to fix it—so you walk away with tools, not just temporary relief.
Performance and Prevention
Our clinic is deeply rooted in sports and orthopedic rehab, which means we’re passionate about helping athletes and active individuals not just recover—but thrive. Our RI-based approach helps reduce re-injury risk and boost long-term performance.
Ready to Feel Better—Not Just Mask the Pain?
If you’ve been dealing with pain that keeps coming back, or if traditional treatments haven’t worked, it’s time for a fresh approach. At Fox Physical Therapy Sports and Orthopedics, we treat the whole body—because that’s how true healing happens.
Visit us at one of our South Florida or Denver locations or schedule a consultation today to see how we can help you move smarter and live pain-free.