We know from the research that pelvic position is closely related to lumbar spine position.
In particular, anterior pelvic tilt is associated with an increased lordosis of the lumbar spine (Day et al., 1984; Levine & Whittle, 1996).
In some cases this pelvic tilt can be excessive and accompanied by trunk weakness or muscle shortening which in turn can lead to an increased likelihood of lower back pain. This is especially common in our post-natal clients!
Hip flexors are a possible culprit and always worth a check especially with clients who are mostly sedentary- [Modifed Thomas Test is the go-to test.]
A recent study by Preece et al. (2021) found that passive hip flexor stretching led to an immediate reduction in pelvic tilt during standing which is promising news.
In the case of excessive anterior pelvic tilt some treatment options might include...
-Myofasical release for rectus femoris, adductors, and erector spinae
-Stretching of psoas, rectus femoris, adductors, and lumbar erector spinae
-Strengthening abdominals/obliques
-Strengthening the glutes working towards end-range hip extension.
If you are experiencing back pain post-natally ask your @the_mummy_mot practitioner about hip flexors!
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