Happy Weekend everyone. I hope it finds you well and socially distanced!
Today’s mobility will be Lumbar Flexion. This motion occurs in the lower back when we slump sit or pick up objects from the floor. This has been a demonized motion over the years because of its implications with back strains. It has been robustly studied and found to be a safe movement and posture. Addressing limitations to Lumbar flexion is important to elongate all the spinal joints, facilitate abdominal activation, and increase space around the spinal cord and nerves.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment Key Points:
Sit as close to the edge as possible
Keep back flat as you let one leg go
Have Fun!
If you passed this test, then excellent job! if you found maintaining your back position to be challenging, or you felt tension or discomfort while doing the test, then I would highly recommend going through the next exercises🙋🏻♂️.
MOBILIZATION
Motion loss is typically due to 2️⃣ sources: soft tissues and joints. When working to optimize mobility at a joint the best way is usually to treat both. The next two videos will review mobility workouts designed to enhance lumbar flexion functional mobility.
MOTOR CONTROL
Immediately following mobility work, we need to teach the body and the 🧠 how to use the new range of motion or hold these new positions. If we did not do this extra step you will not maintain the gains.
I love hearing about your mobility. LMK how it’s going!