However, if the bony structures of the
pelvis, hips and base of the spine that these
muscles attach to are out of alignment, then
these muscles cannot perform effectively.
This has consequences for both the bony
structures and muscles of the upper torso
The 30-second article
• One in four people suffer from neck
and shoulder pain, which affects their
ability to perform everyday activities, as
well as exercise
• If the lumbar spine, pelvis and hips are
out of alignment, then the neck, head
and shoulders compensate and shift
out of their correct positions
• A simple dowel rod assessment with
clients can help you identify
misalignment issues with their
lumbo-pelvic-hip girdle (LPHG)
• Performed regularly, self-myofascial
release, stretching and strengthening
corrective exercises can realign the LPHG
so that the shoulders, neck and head
naturally fall back into better alignment.
as well as the vestibular system (which
helps keep the head aligned over the centre
of the pelvis when a person is standing,
walking or engaged in other activities)
(Schamberger, 2002).
Hence, if the lumbar spine, pelvis and
hips are out of alignment due to a structural
imbalance, muscular weakness and/or
neuromuscular dysfunction, then the neck,
head and shoulders must compensate and
shift out of their correct positions (see diagram).
Habitual movement patterns of the neck
and shoulders that develop to compensate
for a misaligned LPHG can result in long
term recurring neck and shoulder pain. This
pain is often greatly exacerbated when a
person engages in full-body movements.
Are the hips to blame for neck and
shoulder pain?
You might think this type of musculoskeletal
imbalance is uncommon, but the regular
practice of performing the assessment
below highlights the fact that many clients
have misalignment issues with their LPHG.
Performing this assessment with clients prior
to exe rcise will help you determine whether
an imbalance of the LPHG is contributing to
the recurrence of neck and shoulder pain.
Compensations caused by lumbar spine, pelvis and
hips being out of alignment
Dowel rod on hips assessment
Stand behind your client as both of you
face forward looking into a mirror, so you
can consider the results of the assessment
together. On both hands curl your third,
fourth and fifth fingers toward your palms
as you point your index fingers out straight
EDUCATION
ALMOST 80% OF AUSTRALIAN ADULTS
SUFFER FROM LIFE-LONG LOWER BACK PAIN.
THAT’S A LOT OF IBUPROFEN!
And with the number of adults suffering from chronic pain projected to almost double by 2050, it’s never been
more important for personal trainers to understand how to help clients move correctly and without pain.
Australian Fitness Network has partnered with one of the world’s foremost experts in musculoskeletal
assessment and corrective exercise, Justin Price, to bring you The BioMechanics Method Corrective
Exercise Trainer Certification.
Learn how to:
• Safely conduct postural assessments
• Design corrective exercise programs that will alleviate pain caused by common musculoskeletal
imbalances
• Develop effective client communication strategies that can be applied to clients experiencing pain.
1300 493 832 | FITNESSNETWORK.COM.AU/BIOMECHANICS
38 | NETWORK SUMMER 2015