Correcting Overpronation with Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)

Written By Briony Grant

What is Overpronation?

Overpronation occurs when the foot collapses inward excessively during walking, running, or standing on one leg. This can lead to knee, hip, and lower back pain due to improper biomechanics. Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) helps identify and correct the muscle imbalances causing this issue.

Step 1: Identify Muscle Imbalances

In NKT, we test for inhibited (weak) and facilitated (overactive) muscles contributing to overpronation.

🔻 Inhibited (Weak/Underactive) Muscles:

  • Tibialis Posterior (supports the foot arch)

  • Gluteus Medius & Gluteus Maximus (hip stabilizers)

  • Intrinsic Foot Muscles (toe and arch stabilizers)

  • Anterior Tibialis (controls dorsiflexion and arch support)

🔺 Facilitated (Tight/Overactive) Muscles:

  • Peroneals (eversion and pronation)

  • Adductors (pull femur inward)

  • Lateral Gastrocnemius & Soleus (cause foot instability)

  • Tensor Fasciae Latae (compensates for weak glutes)

Step 2: Release Overactive Muscles

To reset compensations, first release the overactive muscles:

🛠 Self-Myofascial Release (2-3 minutes per area):

  • Peroneals: Roll a lacrosse ball on the outer shin.

  • Adductors: Foam roll along the inner thigh.

  • Lateral Calf: Use a massage tool or hands.

  • TFL: Gentle pressure or cupping as needed.

Step 3: Activate & Strengthen Inhibited Muscles

Once compensations are released, activate the weak muscles.

🔥 Activation Drills (10-15 reps, 2 sets): 1️⃣ Short Foot Exercise: Press toes into the ground, lifting the arch. 2️⃣ Tibialis Posterior Activation: Use a resistance band to slowly invert the foot. 3️⃣ Gluteus Medius Activation: Banded side steps or clamshells. 4️⃣ Single-Leg Balance with Arch Control: Stand on one foot, maintaining arch awareness.

Step 4: Reinforce with Functional Movements

  • Slow Step-Downs: Control pronation while descending.

  • Single-Leg RDL with Arch Engagement: Strengthens foot, hip, and core.

  • Walking Lunges with Conscious Foot Placement: Ensures stability and alignment.

Step 5: Retest & Reintegrate

  • Repeat NKT muscle tests to check improvements.

  • If issues persist, reassess for deeper compensations (e.g., core weakness, pelvic misalignment).

  • Apply these corrections to daily activities, walking, and workouts.

By using Neurokinetic Therapy, we retrain your brain to support proper movement patterns, helping you move better, feel stronger, and eliminate pain at its source.

📍 Want to get assessed? Book a session today! www.promcoastmuscle.com.au

#NeurokineticTherapy #Overpronation #MoveBetter #PainFreeLiving #PromCoastMuscle

Briony Grant
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