Anterior Pelvic Tilt also referred to as APT, might sound complicated, but it’s relatively easy to rectify when treated early. These days, it’s one of the most common postural misalignments we see at our clinic in Port Moody and Coquitlam.
The way we work and live in the modern world is a significant contributory factor. Anterior pelvic tilt can result from injury to the hamstrings, hip flexors, or hip extensors. Still, the truth is, most cases are related to sedentary lifestyles and a lack of activity.
Anterior Pelvic Tilt Diagnosis: Coquitlam and Port Moody RMT Clinic
Patients with APT exhibit a forward rotation of the pelvis that causes muscle imbalances, discomfort, pain, and problems in many body areas. Most of us get anterior pelvic tilt from sitting for too long with improper lumbar support. Our hip flexors tighten up and pull our pelvis forward. Our hamstrings and core muscles weaken as a result of that, making our lower spine curve abnormally. That leads to the following problems:
· Tight muscles in the lower back.
· Tight hip flexors and quads.
· Weakened glutes, hamstrings, and core.
What’s it like living with anterior pelvic tilt day-to-day?
Here at our RMT clinic in Port Moody, our practitioners are trained to quickly spot the tell-tale misalignments and physical indications of APT. However, sufferers are more likely to notice a range of symptoms ranging from stiffness to discomfort and considerable pain.
It’s essential to have a massage therapist address APT promptly because when left, it will lead to issues that can take significantly longer to work through.
Think you may be experiencing anterior pelvic tilt? Here’s what to look out for:
· Occasional or ongoing pain in the lower back region.
· Frequent or intermittent pain in the groin area.
· Ongoing stiffness in the muscles of the thighs and back.
· Severe, long-term APT can lead to pain in the knees and even spinal disc problems caused by poor posture.
Rectifying Anterior Pelvic Tilt with Massage Therapy
The sooner you have a qualified RMT practitioner check you over, the more straightforward it will be to get to the cause of your APT and begin correcting your posture and alleviating the symptoms for good
You can help a massage therapist treat your anterior pelvic tilt by changing your lifestyle, being more active, and sitting down for fewer hours each day. Even a moderate amount of daily exercise will have a significant effect on sufferers of APT.
Here at our Port Moody Massage Therapy Clinic, we recommend the following in conjunction with RMT treatments to eliminate the causes and symptoms of anterior pelvic tilt:
1. Use a high-quality, lumbar-friendly desk chair or consider a standing desk: If the primary cause of your APT is that you work behind a desk all day, making some small changes will reap huge rewards. If your budget permits, some desks allow for instant adjustment during the working day from sitting to standing positions. Mixing things up and being less sedentary will promote better posture and have a positive effect on both the symptoms and root causes of APT.
2. If you don’t have access to a standing desk: you can still change your daily working habits for the better. Take regular short breaks from sitting down and take a short walk around the office – or your home, if you’re working remotely.
3. Stretch your back: Use simple stretches throughout the day to loosen up the muscles in your lower back. Consider purchasing a back-stretcher and using it regularly in conjunction with regular breaks and other exercises. Get into a short routine, and you’ll notice the benefits quickly.
4. Sit correctly: When your mom kept telling you to ‘sit up straight,’ she really was onto something! The way we sit or slouch can often be a significant factor in causing anterior pelvic tilt. Try and keep your work or screen at eye level throughout the day and tighten up your core as you sit upright.
RMT in Port Moody and Coquitlam for Anterior Pelvic Tilt
The best strategy for treating anterior pelvic tilt is a timely massage therapy program combined with subtle lifestyle changes that contribute to better posture. With early attention, APT is easily rectified, and outcomes are good.
We work with patients all around Port Moody and Coquitlam! You can book an appointment online, and our practitioners will help assess your condition and recommend an effective treatment plan. Inspine Therapy also offers direct billing to several insurance companies and ICBC.