2. PRINCPLE PELVIC PLACEMENT

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It is key to emphasize stabilization of the pelvis and lumbar spine both statically and dynamically in all positions and throughout all movements. The two positions most often used are neutral and imprint. In a neutral position, the natural anteriorly convex curve of the lumbar spine is present. In most cases, when lying supine, the triangle formed by the ASIS and the symphysis pubis should be parallel to the Mat. This is the most stable and optimal shock- absorbing position and a good place from which to promote efficient movement patterns.

Neutral alignment should not be achieved by forcibly arching the back, but rather by allowing the weight of the sacrum to rest on the Mat. With the transversus abdominis engaged, no strain should be felt through the spinal extensors in the lumbar area. If muscular tension occurs, shift the pelvis slightly toward a posterior placement. It is more important for the lumbar area not to strain than for the ASIS and symphysis pubis to lie in the same horizontal plane. For example, someone with large gluteals might actually create an exaggerated lordosis in the lumbar spine by trying to have the ASIS and symphysis pubis lie in the same plane.

An imprinted position combines a slight posterior pelvic tilt with slight lumbar flexion. The normal curve of the lumbar spine lengthens toward flexion by engaging the oblique abdominals to approximate the pelvis and the rib cage anteriorly. When supine, the pubic bone may be slightly higher than the ASIS. The pelvis is not so tilted that the sacrum curls off or loses contact with the Mat.

It is not necessary to press the lower back all the way into the Mat or to tuck under by overusing the rectus abdominis and gluteal muscles as this may decrease stability.

EXPERIMENTING WITH PELVIC PLACEMENT

Start supine, with pelvis and spine neutral. Knees flexed, feet abducted hip-distance apart on the Mat. Arms long by sides, palms down.

Rocking Pelvis

Rock pelvis through anterior and posterior tilts to explore the range of movement. Neutral position will be somewhere between the two.

Leg Slides

Test stability in a neutral position by sliding
one foot along the Mat, then drawing it back in. Limit the range of motion to where the lumbo- pelvic region can be stabilized.

Inhale To slide foot away. Exhale To return.

Neutral to Imprint

Inhale Maintain a neutral alignment.

Exhale Contract abdominals and imprint.

Inhale Maintain an imprinted position.

Exhale Return to neutral.

The transversus abdominis remains engaged throughout while the obliques shorten during imprint, and lengthen during return to neutral. Try lifting one or two feet off the floor to test the stability of the imprint.