#Japan #Tokyo #Hiking #Pilates #Physiotherapy

Prepare for Autumn Hiking Season: Prevent Knee Pain

As the autumn hiking season approaches, outdoor enthusiasts are reminded of the potential physical stresses that come with it, particularly knee pain during descents. A recent seminar held by Rigaku Body, a company driven by a mission to promote health through physiotherapy, explored techniques to mitigate these risks. The event took place on August 20, 2025, at their headquarters in Shibuya, Tokyo, and highlighted the importance of proper body care during hiking.

The seminar featured Shohei Kata, a director at Rigaku Body and a licensed physiotherapist with expertise in managing over 170 physical therapy and Pilates studios both in Japan and abroad. He discussed how the load on our knees can exceed twice that of flat surfaces while descending and how improper walking methods can lead to chronic knee pain and lower back issues.

Insights from the Seminar

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in hands-on sessions designed to alleviate knee pain. One focus of the event was self-care techniques incorporating fascia therapy and Pilates exercises. Participants were introduced to three types of muscle fascia care that can be performed while seated, enabling them to discover effective massage points on their thighs for pain relief. In addition, they explored Pilates exercises targeting the glutes and ankles to address the root causes of discomfort.

Feedback from the attendees highlighted the value of understanding the kinetic connections throughout the body. Many expressed surprise at how the flexibility of the ankles plays a crucial role in overall leg support and stability, noting, “I learned that the focus has often been only on strengthening the thighs, but the ankle's flexibility is just as vital.”

About the Speaker

Shohei Kata

Shohei Kata is not only a director at Rigaku Body but also a recognized physiotherapist and a certified coach with Mizukara. His career milestones include:

• - 2020: Led the Aoyama Fascia Therapy Rigaku Body clinic and established educational systems for the Kansai region.
• - 2022: Appointed as an executive officer responsible for integrated hiring, training, and management.
• - 2024: Became a director while overseeing the Pilates and physical therapy business divisions.

In his words, “While hiking rejuvenates the mind and body, it also accumulates unseen strains. Descending subjects the knees to shocks about twice that of walking on flats, and the quadriceps activity increases by approximately 2.8 times. Incorrect mechanics during eccentric contraction can also lead to muscle damage, making proper utilization of the body essential to prevent injuries.”

The Pilates Studio: Luluto

The physiotherapist-supervised Pilates studio, Luluto, operates under the philosophy of “Transforming the body on the shortest path.” It offers custom-tailored lessons based on each individual's body requirements, utilizing anatomical approaches. This enables students to enhance their posture and bodily movements during each session, facilitating healthier body transformation in a short time span.

• - Website: Luluto
• - Instagram: Luluto Instagram

About Rigaku Body

Founded in July 2018 by Takuya Kikujyou, Rigaku Body aims to enhance the rewards for physiotherapists by creating a structure that allows customers to shorten their pain relief timelines. Adhering to the philosophy of “we aim for improvement in three sessions or less,” the company has expanded its network of “Aoyama Fascia Therapy Rigaku Body” clinics to over 100 locations nationwide as of June 2025. In 2022, they initiated their supervised machine Pilates program, “Luluto,” aiming to offer superior health support to a broader demographic.

• - Company Name: Rigaku Body, Inc.
• - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo, 1-12-2 Cross Office Shibuya 701
• - Phone: 03 6712 6473
• - URL: Rigaku Body Website
• - Founder: Takuya Kikujyou
• - Established: July 2, 2018
• - Business Activities: Management of physical therapy clinics, Pilates studio management, welfare services for disabilities, seminar hosting and educational services.