Elongation of the spine is often spoken of by Pilates instructors. But what exactly is elongation of the spine and how is it achieved biomechanically?
Five Muscles of Sacroiliac Stabilization – Part 3 – Hamstrings
The connection between the hamstrings and the sacroiliac joint is through what is known as the superficial back line myofascial meridian/anatomy train. If the hamstrings are tight, their tension pulling force will be exerted through the sacrotuberous ligament and onto the sacrum.
Introduction to Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back
When deep pressure is needed, it is important to be able to generate it with the least amount of effort and physical stress to your body. In essence, this blog post article is about learning how to employ proper body mechanics so that you work smart instead of working hard.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Positioning the Feet
Make sure that the feet are not too far apart. A wide stance may feel more stable but creates a static position that makes it difficult to transfer weight from one foot to the other. With a narrower stance, it is easier to shift the center of weight of the body from one foot to the other as a stroke is done.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Client and Therapist Positioning
A common body mechanics error is for the therapist to stand above the face cradle at the head end of the table. Standing here only distances you from the client, causing you to lean over the client to reach the low back; this compromises body mechanics and does not allow for the efficient use of body weight.
Deep Pressure Massage to the Low Back – Choosing the Right Table
Even more important than table width is table height. As a rule, when generating deep pressure, you want the table to be as low as possible so that you can more easily position your body above the client to take advantage of gravity and body weight.
Stretching and Strengthening the Spinal Curves
The spine is an incredible structure, with both great stability but also tremendous mobility in all three cardinal planes.
Muscle and Bone Palpation of the Low Back and Pelvis
No assessment procedure is more important to the manual therapist than bone and muscle (myofascial) palpation.
Range of Motion Assessment (& Manual Resistance) – Low Back & Pelvis
This blog post article is part of a series of articles on assessment of the low back and pelvis. Scroll to the end of this article to see the others in this series. Range of Motion Range of motion (ROM) …
Postural Assessment of the Low Back and Pelvis
Good posture is defined as a balanced posture that is symmetrical and does not place excessive stress on the tissues of the body.
Introduction to Assessment of the Low Back and Pelvis
Treatment should never be administered without a diagnosis. In the world of manual therapy, treatment should only be performed if an assessment is made.
Lower Crossed Syndrome
The lumbosacral spine should have a healthy anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis. If they are excessive, the client has lower crossed syndrome.
Hypertonic / Tight Muscles of the Low Back and Pelvis
Four of the most common causes of tight muscles of the low back (or anywhere in the body) are: overuse, splinting, adaptive shortening, and overstretching.
Ligaments of the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis
The “action” of a ligament is similar to that of an antagonist muscle. If either is tight/taut, it restricts motion to the opposite side.
Bones of the Lumbar Spine and Pelvis
The low back is defined by the lumbar spine, composed of 5 vertebrae, named L1-L5. The pelvis is defined by the bones of the pelvic girdle.
The Thoracic Spine… The Silent Saboteur
There is an old saying that no posture is bad unless you get stuck in it. The problem is that the thoracic spine often does get stuck in bad posture.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to low back strains and sprains?
Self care for a low back strain / sprain involves avoiding offending postures and activities such as bending and lifting, and using heat and stretching.
Signs, symptoms, and assessment of low back strains and sprains
A low back sprain and strain present a similar clinical picture. The client/patient will have low back spasming and pain, which will increase with motion.
What are the causes of low back strains and sprains?
The two most common causes for a low back sprain / strain are macrotrauma and repetitive microtraumas, often involving bending and lifting.
