The psoas major’s sagittal plane lumbar spine joint action is by far its most controversial function. The term “psoas paradox” describes this controversy.
Rectus Femoris: Get it Straight!
As a hip flexor, it is an extremely important muscle, both functionally and dysfunctionally. When tight, its pull is exerted in closed-chain function with anterior tilt of the pelvis; excessive anterior tilt can then create excessive lumbar lordosis (a postural distortion pattern known as lower crossed syndrome), which often predisposes toward low back pain.
Elongation of the Spine
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?
How do we treat lower crossed syndrome with manual therapy?
If consistent manual therapy care is given, including heat, massage, and stretching, lower crossed syndrome responds very well to treatment.
What is lower crossed syndrome and what are its causes?
Vladimir Janda’s lower crossed syndrome is characterized by increased anterior tilt of the pelvis and a hyperlordotic lumbar spine.
A manual therapy case study on lower crossed syndrome.
Case Study: Kori is a 30-year-old store clerk. Her low back has been tight for as long as she can remember, but she never had any pain until recently.
What are the self-care and medical approaches to lower crossed syndrome?
For the client with lower crossed syndrome, it is also important to recommend moist heat followed by stretching of the low back and hip flexor musculature.
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.
How Pilates Can Treat Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, also known as Rounded Back
When a client presents with thoracic hyperkyphosis (rounded back), there are many approaches for how Pilates can treat thoracic hyperkyphosis. And for each of these approaches, many Pilates exercises can be utilized. Before addressing these approaches, let’s briefly review thoracic hyperkyphosis…
How Can Tight Muscles of the Hip Joint Cause a Scoliosis?
So, if hip abductor group on one side is tighter at baseline tone than the hip adductor group on that side, the pelvis will be pulled into depression on that side, resulting in a lumbar scoliosis that is convex on that side. Similarly, tight opposite-side hip adductor musculature can cause the same scoliotic curve.
