The Pelvic Girdle

Pelvic Girdle The pelvic girdle (ilium, ischium and pubis) provides support and protection to the abdominal organs and transmits force from the head, arms, and trunk to the lower extremities

Pelvic Girdle Joints Seven joints are formed by the pelvic bones: Lumbosacral (1) Sacroiliac (2) Sacrococcygeal (1) Pubis Symphysis (1) Acetabulofemoral (2)

Pelvic Girdle Joints Lumbosacral Joint The articulation between the L5 vertebral body and the body of the first sacral segment Sacroiliac Joint The articulation between the the sacrum and the ilium (synovial joint) Sacrococcygeal Joint The articulation between the sacrum and the coccyx

Pelvic Girdle Joints Pubic Symphysis The midline joint uniting the two pubic bones Acetabulofemoral Joint The ball-and-socket joint between the head of the femur and the acetabulum

Pelvic Girdle The hip joint is the most structurally stable, yet mobile, single joint in the body. The pelvis attaches to the sacrum at the sacroiliac joint, which in turn attaches to the spine.

Lumbar Pelvic Rhythm Coordinated movement between the trunk (thoracic and lumbar vertebrae), the pelvis, and the hip joints

Movements of the Pelvis Anterior Tilt Can be created by a protruding abdomen and is defined as forward tilting and downward movement of the pelvis Posterior Tilt Flattening of the low back, trunk extension, and pelvis moves posterior Elevation Elevating the pelvis without picking the foot off the floor Depression Rotation

Lower Cross Syndrome Top of pelvis rotates forward and spine is pulled forward Imagine your pelvis as a bucket of water, and you were to pour water onto your toes, that would involve the bucket of water tilting forward and down. That is what's referred to as an Anterior Pelvic Tilt. This is common and correlates to lower back pain

Lower Cross Syndrome Often coincides with forward head. Some of the contributors include poor body mechanics, pregnancy, and weight gain.   Visual Signs: Increased curvature of low back (lumbar)   Pain is often felt in the low back, pelvis, hips and thighs.  

Lower Cross Syndrome Tight Muscles: Weak Muscles: Gluteus Maximus Iliopsoas Rectus Femoris of Quadriceps Lumbar Erectors Quadratus Lumborum Hip Adductors: Results in internal rotation of femur and will shorten the hip adductors Weak Muscles: Gluteus Maximus Hamstrings (Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus) Deep Abdominal Wall

Corrective Exercises for Lower Cross Syndrome Postural Cueing Stretch the tight muscles: Iliopsoas Quadriceps Lumbar Erectors Hip Adductors Strengthen the weak muscles: Posterior Pelvic Tilt SB Bridges Plank Tube Walking Lunges Single-leg squat

Posterior Pelvic Tilt Most often caused by poor body mechanics when standing, slouching or seated Visual signs: Decreased curvature in low back (flat back), buttocks tilted down or tucked under Pain is often felt in the lumbar spine due to increased spinal compression

Tight Muscles: Posterior Pelvic Tilt Weak Muscles: Hip Flexors Psoas Major Iliacus Rectus Femoris Tensor Fascia Latae Sartorius Tight Muscles: Rectus Abdominis Hamstrings Biceps Femoris Semitendinosus Semimembranosus

Corrective Exercises for a Posterior Pelvic Tilt Strengthen the weak muscles: Walking Cycling Elliptical Trainer SB Jackknife Postural Cueing Stretch the tight muscles: Rectus Abdominis Hamstrings

Pelvic Girdle Movement Pelvic Motion Trunk Motion Hip Motion Anterior Pelvic Tilt Extension Flexion Posterior Pelvic Tilt