Some of the best ideas start with a problem no one else is solving. When Andrea Lui, PT, DPT, OCS scrolled through knitting forums and saw makers being told to either push through the pain or put down their needles entirely, she knew there had to be a better way.
A practicing physical therapist with a doctorate from MGH Institute of Health Professions and a board certification in orthopedic PT, Andrea brought her clinical training directly into the craft community, creating The Knitting PT: a home for quick, maker-specific movement guidance rooted in real anatomy and genuine love for the craft.
Through short-form videos, virtual consults, courses, and her upcoming book Craft Without Pain (available for preorder now), Andrea has built something quietly radical -- a space where self-care and creativity aren't in competition, but deeply, practically intertwined. We're so glad she agreed to answer a few of our questions.
Q. You’re a practicing physical therapist and a passionate knitter -- was there a specific moment (in clinic or at your own needles) that sparked The Knitting PT, and what did you most want makers to feel or understand from day one?
The online community was the initial spark. I saw knitters posting online that they were experiencing pain in their arms or numbness in their hands and asking for advice. Much of the advice given was horrifically incorrect, ranging from "power through it" to "stop knitting." I believe in finding a middle ground with my patients -- still doing what you love but with modifications as your body heals.
Q. Your tips are quick, practical, and maker-specific: can you walk us through what happens behind the scenes from a common “ouch” (like tight shoulders or cranky wrists) to the final reel -- what do you look for, test, and simplify?
I choose the topic for a post either from what I am seeing people comment about online, or from what my own body is feeling. I'm often thinking about how to optimize my movement when I'm knitting or crafting -- so these often spark the initial idea. From there, I choose an exercise or tip that addresses that topic, and I usually try to use something that is fresh, new, that I haven't touched on lately. When I film, I talk freely and then edit down based on time and what I want to emphasize.
Q. In your consults, classes, and courses, how do you make movement and self-care feel accessible and inclusive for different bodies, abilities, and experience levels --and what small habit change do you find helps most people right away?
The most important thing I tell my students is that any movement counts. It doesn't matter if it is a simple shoulder roll or a 45-minute workout -- movement is movement, and it's more important that we get moving rather than worry about if we are doing enough. Many people get hung up on the details and feel that if it's not a certain number of minutes, it doesn't count. It's much easier to build a positive habit step by step rather than leaping several feet forward. To make things inclusive, I often teach exercises that can be done sitting, and offer as many modifications as possible for all abilities.
Q. When you’re not teaching wellness, what kind of knitting (colors, textures, techniques, or projects) is lighting you up right now—and how has your online community shaped what you create and share next?
I have been loving bright colors and neutrals lately. I have many friends who spin or are yarn dyers, and it has inspired me to explore different wools outside of the typical merino. This year, I am also on a quest to figure out my perfect sock recipe and sock heel fit!
Q. For makers who want to keep creating for years to come, are there any small habits, tools, or mindset shifts you’d recommend to support both creativity and well-being?
The best recommendation I can give is to listen to your body. Your body knows when it needs a break, and taking those short breaks will go a long way to preventing discomfort from becoming a chronic situation. This goes for creativity too! I am guilty of not frogging projects when I've lost the passion for it, but it truly is a weight off my mind when I move forward and let my creative heart lead my needles and hands.
We're so grateful to Andrea for taking the time -- and for the reminder that taking care of your body and loving your craft aren't at odds with each other. You can find Andrea's tutorials, courses, and virtual consult bookings at ptandrea.com, and follow along with her making and movement content on Instagram at @theknittingpt. Her book, Craft Without Pain: Injury Prevention and Self-Care for Knitters and Other Makers, will be published on June 16th, 2026, and is available for preorder now wherever books are sold.
love,
