Running

Knee Rehab: Mundane vs. Resilient Knee Project

Knee Rehab: Mundane vs. Resilient Knee Project

(Or: Why Settle for Beige When You Can Have Fireworks?)

Let’s face it—traditional knee rehab is, well... about as exciting as watching paint dry.

It’s the same routine: sit, stretch, repeat, lift light weights.

You're doing clamshells on the floor, slowly bending your knees, wondering if you’re a physical therapy patient or just auditioning for a very boring pilates class.

It’s like being told to whisper your way back to health when what you really need is a battle cry.

But fear not!

The Resilient Knee Project is here to save you from the soul-crushing monotony of old-school rehab.

We’re tossing out the stale playbook and giving you something that’s dynamic, alive, and—dare we say—fun!

This isn’t just about fixing your knee; it’s about rediscovering your potential and coming back stronger in ways you didn’t know were possible.

Traditional Rehab: Yawn-Inducing, Predictable, and Slow

Here’s how most rehab looks:

  • Endless stretching: “Just hold this for 30 more seconds.”

  • Light weights forever: “Progress? Oh no, we stick to 3kg.”

  • Zero excitement: It’s like attending a knitting class... but for your muscles.

  • Tedious reps that never end: “Only 10 more clamshells—great job!” (Said no excited person ever.)

If you’ve ever felt like your soul leaves your body halfway through a basic rehab session, you’re not alone.

And no, counting reps for squats with light resistance bands does not qualify as a spiritual awakening.

The Resilient Knee Project: Creative, Energizing, and Alive

Enter The Resilient Knee Project. This is not just rehab—it’s an adventure.

Forget the idea that you have to slowly plod your way back to fitness.

We’re talking about getting creative with movement, mixing things up, and actually enjoying the process of building strength and resilience.

Here’s how we do things differently:

  • Dynamic movement: Running intervals, sport-specific drills, and real-world challenges—because movement should feel alive, not like a chore.

  • Mind-body integration: Not just reps—we work on mindset, mindfulness, and your body’s signals to make sure you’re progressing with purpose.

  • Supportive and challenging: We push you in the right ways, helping you find your limits and build past them, without burning out.

  • Joyful experimentation: We teach you to play with movement again—rediscovering the fun of running, walking, and exploring your body’s potential.

This isn’t about doing the same boring exercises for weeks on end.

This is about testing yourself, learning, and adapting, just like an athlete.

You’ll find yourself running, moving, and feeling like a kid again—all while strengthening your knee the right way.

Are You Ready to Start Running?

If this sounds like you, The Resilient Knee Project is here to guide you.

It’s time to lace up, leave the boring routines behind, and discover the freedom that running can bring.

Let’s take that first step together—because every run is a chance to fly.

Ready to Break Free from Boring Rehab?

The Resilient Knee Project isn’t just about your knee—it’s about transforming the way you move, think, and feel.

Forget about endless sets of clamshells—this is about rediscovering freedom, power, and joy in your body.

Sure, we’ll strengthen your knee, but along the way, you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever imagined.

So, what’s it going to be? Mundane routines and boring stretches?

Or a challenging, exciting, and dynamic program that brings out the best in you?

Let’s ditch the beige and run toward freedom.

It’s time to play, move, and thrive.


Hi, I’m Dan O'Grady, Physiotherapist, Running Coach, and Developer of The Resilient Knee Project.

This isn’t another temporary fix or quick hack. This is about long-term success, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience working with runners and athletes, I’ve created The Resilient Knee Project, a comprehensive, proven approach that helps you not only eliminate persistent knee pain but also enhance your running capacity beyond what you thought possible.

As your coach and mentor, I’ll provide personalized support, helping you move through the complicated web of pain management, rebuilding strength, and regaining your running form—in a way that lasts.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a customized, supported journey with me by your side.

Using the framework of The Resilient Knee Project, we’ll work through the phases of healing, from understanding your pain, to rebuilding strength, to running stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to transform your running experience and your life.

Next step: Schedule a free 15-minute phone call or Zoom session with me at your convenience by following this link. Together, we’ll figure out if The Resilient Knee Project is the right fit for you and how you can start your journey today.

The Resilient Knee Project is available in person or globally through an app-based online coaching portal.

Let’s get you back to running, enjoying life, and living with resilience!

You can also email  dan@kinfolkwellness.com.au  for any questions. 

Running: The Closest Thing to Flying

Running: The Closest Thing to Flying

Running isn’t just exercise—it’s the closest thing we have to flying.

Think about it: every step lifts you off the ground, even if only for a moment.

With each stride, you’re weightless, soaring through the air, leaving gravity behind.

It’s an amazing feeling—one that transforms your body, mind, and spirit.

Running isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about reclaiming the joy, freedom, and playfulness you felt as a child.

Freedom Through Movement: Rediscover the Joy

When you run, you reconnect with the freedom of play. It’s like being a kid again—moving just because it feels good, without overthinking it.

Back then, movement was pure joy, not something to control or fix. That’s what running gives back—a sense of lightness, of being in the moment, where every stride feels like a small flight.

Running Lifts More Than Your Feet

Running awakens your body, clears your mind, and lifts your spirit.

It’s not just about strength or endurance—it’s about freedom.

When you lift off the ground, even for that fraction of a second, it’s a reminder that you are more capable than you think.

Running gives you the opportunity to leave behind stress and limitations, to feel alive, weightless, and free.

Every Run is Play

Running isn’t just about chasing goals or finishing races—it’s a chance to play, explore, and feel joy in movement.

When you hit the trail, the road, or the park, you’re flying on your terms.

There’s no right way to do it, no rules to follow—just you, your body, and the rhythm of your stride.

Is The Resilient Knee Project Right for You?

This isn’t a program for everyone.

It’s not for those who want to stick to the same old boring rehab routines or rely only on isolated strength work in the stinky gym.

But if you’re ready to break free from the mundane and rediscover the joy of movement, this might just be the program for you.

Here are 3 signs that the Resilient Knee Project is a perfect fit for you:

  1. You want to move beyond pain and experience the joy of running, playing, or walking freely again.

  2. You’re tired of endless gym exercises and are ready to trust your body and embrace movement as part of the healing process.

  3. You believe setbacks are part of growth and are ready to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward—even when things don’t go perfectly.

Are You Ready to Fly?

If this sounds like you, The Resilient Knee Project is here to guide you.

It’s time to lace up, leave the boring routines behind, and discover the freedom that running can bring.

Let’s take that first step together—because every run is a chance to fly.


Hi, I’m Dan O'Grady, Physiotherapist, Running Coach, and Developer of The Resilient Knee Project.

This isn’t another temporary fix or quick hack. This is about long-term success, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience working with runners and athletes, I’ve created The Resilient Knee Project, a comprehensive, proven approach that helps you not only eliminate persistent knee pain but also enhance your running capacity beyond what you thought possible.

As your coach and mentor, I’ll provide personalized support, helping you move through the complicated web of pain management, rebuilding strength, and regaining your running form—in a way that lasts.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a customized, supported journey with me by your side.

Using the framework of The Resilient Knee Project, we’ll work through the phases of healing, from understanding your pain, to rebuilding strength, to running stronger and more resilient than ever before.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to transform your running experience and your life.

Next step: Schedule a free 15-minute phone call or Zoom session with me at your convenience by following this link. Together, we’ll figure out if The Resilient Knee Project is the right fit for you and how you can start your journey today.

The Resilient Knee Project is available in person or globally through an app-based online coaching portal.

Let’s get you back to running, enjoying life, and living with resilience!

You can also email  dan@kinfolkwellness.com.au  for any questions. 

New Program to Help with Persistent Knee Pain

Hi, I’m Dan O'Grady, Physiotherapist, Running Coach, and Developer of The Resilient Knee Project.

Are you a runner or athlete who’s been sidelined by persistent knee pain, unsure of how to move forward without giving up what you love?

I know exactly how you feel. After years of struggling with my own knee pain and navigating through a maze of treatments, I’ve developed a way to not only manage knee pain but to build resilience and strength that lets you keep doing what you love—running.

This isn’t another temporary fix or quick hack. This is about long-term success, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience working with runners and athletes, I’ve created The Resilient Knee Project, a comprehensive, proven approach that helps you not only eliminate persistent knee pain but also enhance your running capacity beyond what you thought possible.

As your coach and mentor, I’ll provide personalized support, helping you move through the complicated web of pain management, rebuilding strength, and regaining your running form—in a way that lasts.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program—it’s a customized, supported journey with me by your side.

Using the framework of The Resilient Knee Project, we’ll work through the phases of healing, from understanding your pain, to rebuilding strength, to running stronger and more resilient than ever before.

And here’s the best part:

From day one, you’ll start running again with a clear path to get back to the sport you love, all while avoiding the pitfalls of surgery or endless physio appointments. You’ll learn how to take control of your own recovery and ensure your knee remains strong for life.

If you’re ready to take control of your recovery and get back to running with confidence, I’m excited to work with you.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to transform your running experience and your life.

Next step: Schedule a free 15-minute phone call or Zoom session with me at your convenience by following this link. Together, we’ll figure out if The Resilient Knee Project is the right fit for you and how you can start your journey today.

The Resilient Knee Project is available in person or globally through an app-based online coaching portal.

Let’s get you back to running, enjoying life, and living with resilience!

You can also email  dan@kinfolkwellness.com.au  for any questions. 

Running does not cause knee arthritis

Written by Daniel O’Grady, Knee Specialist Physio and Running Coach

Many runners worry that their favorite activity might lead to knee osteoarthritis (OA), but research suggests otherwise.

In fact, runners do not have a higher prevalence of knee OA compared to non-runners.

Let's explore why running might actually help your knees stay healthy.

The Misunderstood Relationship Between Running and Knee OA

  1. Cumulative Load vs. Peak Load:

    • Cumulative Load: The total stress your knees experience over time is more important for OA risk than the peak load during a single stride. Surprisingly, running has a low cumulative load compared to walking the same distance because of the shorter ground contact time and longer stride length.

    • Peak Load: While running involves higher peak loads, the overall stress on knee cartilage is managed better in runners due to their conditioned cartilage.

  2. Cartilage Conditioning:

    • Adaptation: Regular running conditions knee cartilage to handle the mechanical stresses of running. This means the cartilage becomes stronger and more resilient over time.

    • Mechanisms: Running increases the thickness and glycosaminoglycan content of knee cartilage, which helps in shock absorption and lubrication, making it more resistant to wear and tear.

  3. Misconceptions About Joint Loading:

    • High Peak Loads: Although peak knee joint loads in running are high, they do not necessarily lead to OA because the body adapts to these loads.

    • Dynamic Loading: The dynamic nature of running loads, with high rates of loading and unloading, is less harmful to cartilage compared to static loads, which are common in occupations requiring long periods of standing.

Key Takeaways

  • Low Risk for Runners: Recreational runners have a low risk of developing knee OA. Running might even protect against OA by conditioning the cartilage and keeping it healthy.

  • Stay Active: Regular, moderate running can be beneficial for your knee health. It's important to listen to your body and avoid excessive training volumes to prevent injuries.

By understanding these insights, runners can feel more confident that their passion for running is not only safe but also potentially beneficial for their knee health.

Keep running smart, and your knees will thank you!

If you’d like help on your journey getting back to running with knee pain or OA - join Physio Dan at The Resilient Knee Project - an innovative and unique program that gets you back to running and doing what you love - let’s get started today!

Journal link

Joint Loading in Runners Does Not Initiate Knee Osteoarthritis

Ross H. Miller

Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2017;45(2):87-95

New Program to Help with Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy in Runners

Hi, I’m Dan O'Grady, Physiotherapist, Running Coach, and Former PHT Sufferer

Are you an endurance runner who is tired of battling persistent buttock/hamstring pain that just won't quit?

As someone who has experienced the frustration of proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) firsthand, I understand the challenges you're facing. 

But I'm here to tell you that there is hope, and I'm ready to guide you every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience working with runners and athletes, I've developed a proven approach to not only eliminate PHT but also enhance your running performance beyond what you thought possible. 

As your dedicated coach and mentor, I'll provide personalized support and guidance to help you reclaim your love for running and enjoy life to the fullest once again.

This isn't just another cookie-cutter program—this is a supported self-management journey with me, Dan O'Grady, by your side.

Using the framework of The Healthy Hamstring Protocol, we'll navigate through the ups and downs, teaching you what to avoid, how to improve your running technique, and how to efficiently recover from PHT. 

And here's the best part:

I guarantee that you'll be back to running from day one, with a vision of growing to be stronger and more resilient than ever before…

So if you're ready to commit to your recovery and take your running to new heights, I'm excited to embark on this journey with you. 

Spaces are limited….so don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your running experience. 

Let's make it happen together—let's get you back to running and enjoying life, guaranteed

Next step, schedule a free 15 min phone call / zoom session with me at your convenience by following this link.  Then we can decide if you’re the right fit for my unique and innovative program. 

This program is available in person or any in the world through an app based online coaching portal.

You can also email  dan@kinfolkwellness.com.au  for any questions.