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fitbiztraining
Question:
Stabilising the Pelvis
I have a client who has trouble stabilising her pelvis.
We do 4 point stance leg lifts and arm lifts, going as far as she can before she loses the control of the pelvis. We also do leg slide outs (lying on her back and sliding one leg along the floor to straight) ensuring she can feel all of her back on the floor throughout, and seated leg lifts on a stability ball.
She has started to find these exercises easy, and I'd like to be able to progress slightly without damaging the good work! Also, the leg lifts in the 4 point stance, the leg is still only going about half way between the floor and straight before the pelvis moves, she now finds this easy, but does not seem to have vastly improved.
Can anyone suggest some progressions, and / or how else we can work to stabilise the pelvis more?
Thanks!
Heather
Asked by fitbiztraining - 5 answers - 12 weeks 2 days ago
Claireshap
Leg slide outs can be progressed by lifting the leg slightly and then extending. The patient should be able to palpate the TA and feel it working. If at any point the stabilisation is lost the original position should be reassumed.
Submitted 12 weeks 2 days ago by ClaireshapA pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is really helpful if you havent been using one of those already!
With the 4 point stance I would suggest that she is not completing the exercise properly and engaging more global muscles rather than the local stabilisers. Perhaps work on more education to be able to feel the TA work and not kick in the bigger muscles??
Claireshap
If you havent already been doing so, a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is really helpful to make sure the local stabilisers are working rather than the larger muscles. With the 4-point position if shes not getting better I'd suspect this is what she is using rather than the local stabilisers of TA etc.
Submitted 12 weeks 2 days ago by ClaireshapAs a progression to the leg slides try having the other leg in a flexed position off the bed/floor while extending- this will challenge the stabilisers. also just having the extended leg off the floor while extening is a good progression. ensure the patient is palpating the position of the TA to check engagement at all times or there is no use in the exercises.
Using the 'superman' position is also handy where the patient is lying on their front and lifts alternate arm and leg at the same time slightly off the floor. This will help stabilise the spinal muscles which are also key!
Claireshap
If you havent already been doing so, a pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) is really helpful to make sure the local stabilisers are working rather than the larger muscles. With the 4-point position if shes not getting better I'd suspect this is what she is using rather than the local stabilisers of TA etc.
Submitted 12 weeks 2 days ago by ClaireshapAs a progression to the leg slides try having the other leg in a flexed position off the bed/floor while extending- this will challenge the stabilisers. also just having the extended leg off the floor while extening is a good progression. ensure the patient is palpating the position of the TA to check engagement at all times or there is no use in the exercises.
Using the 'superman' position is also handy where the patient is lying on their front and lifts alternate arm and leg at the same time slightly off the floor. This will help stabilise the spinal muscles which are also key!
MSSTodd
This worked great with a client of mine who was scoliotic and post spinal operation that fused some vertebra. It had been causing issues with the same moves you describe above.
Before any movement prompt them with instructions to squeeze the glutes, quads, hamstrings and draw the belly button in. Adding a pelvic floor contraction would be beneficial as well.
All of this aids in the stabilization of the pelvic area before the move begins.
All the best.
In health,
Todd
Submitted 12 weeks 17 hours ago by MSSToddfitbiztraining
Thank you all, I'll try your progressions and let you know how we do!!
Submitted 12 weeks 1 hour ago by fitbiztrainingHeather