Low Back Pain The Role of the Gluteals in Prevention and Rehabilitation

Low Back Pain: The Role of the Gluteals in Prevention and Rehabilitation By Christine Romani-Ruby PT, MPT, ATC, PMA®CPT

Over 95 % of adults will experience low back pain at some time in their life. For many the length and strength of the gluteal musculature can be a contributing factor and the reason that the back pain persists. In this workshop, the Pilates instructor or physical therapist will identify shortness and weakness through Pilates movements and then use those movements to build muscle balance within their scope of practice. When working with a client with low back pain or doing a prevention program these exercises are key. Exercises in this course are on the mat, reformer, and Pilates chair. Many of the mat exercises use the Pilates loop resistance band.

Course Objectives:

1. The student will list the multiple roles of the gluteal musculature in healthy function of the low back for daily activities.
2. The student will identify poor movement patterns of the gluteals through observation of Pilates movements and activities of daily living.
3. The student will identify the important role of the gluteus maximus in global movement patterns.
4. The student will demonstrate Pilates exercises to strengthen, lengthen and balance the gluteals on the reformer, mat and chair.
5. The student will identify lower extremity movement issues that may lead to problems in gluteal activation.

CEU's: PMA 4 and PAPT 4