The curl up exercise is another staple of lower back rehab. It is part of what Professor McGill, a world authority on spine biomechanics from the University of Waterloo, refers to as the “big three” – a set of three exercises he recommends in the early stages of low back rehabilitation. (FYI, the other exercises […]
Correcting Hip Extension Mobility
Hip joint extension is an absolute pre-requisite for safe and efficient movement. This is not negotiable. We need it to achieve proper upright posture, and to walk, run, and climb stairs. But when the hip flexors are tight it restricts the hip and creates compensatory movement patterns that can wreak havoc on our musculoskeletal system. […]
Simple Bridge Exercise Progressions
The Bridge exercise is a classic staple in back pain treatment and rehabilitation. There is a good reason for this. It is simple, effective, and can be easily modified to meet the needs of virtually any patient. And it targets one of the most common issues we see with lower back pain… weak and inhibited […]
Trunk Extension Exercise Progressions
It is well established that repetitive and sustained flexed postures will damage the spine. Given the preponderance of sitting (trunk flexion) and forward bending (even more trunk flexion) it is critical that we develop the capacity to control these flexed postures. That is where trunk extension exercises come in. It is the trunk extensor muscles […]
Dead Bug Exercise Progression
The Dead Bug is one of my absolute favorite go-to exercises to improve low back stability. Not only is it effective, but it is also completely scaleable. In other words, it can be made extremely simple for those patients who are severely deconditioned. But can also be easily progressed to more challenging levels for more […]