Category: Exercise

HIP FLEXOR TIGHTNESS

The role of the hip flexors:

The hip flexor muscles include the iliacus and psoas major. Together these muscles act to lift the thigh up closer to the abdomen, which is the movement known as hip flexion. Excessive tightness of the hip flexor muscles is more likely to occur in certain people. It can lead to biomechanical abnormalities and be a source of pain.

People that are more prone to hip flexor tightness:

People that have occupations that involve prolonged periods of sitting are prone to hip flexor tightness as the hips are in a sustained flexed position during sitting. People that engage in regular exercise such as running and cycling are also more prone to tight hip flexors. Sportspeople playing kicking sports such as soccer and football are also more likely to experience excessive flexor tightness as the kicking motion involves repetitive hip flexion movements.

The consequences of tight hip flexors:

Tight hip flexors can be a local source of pain around the hip joint which can be present during prolonged periods of sitting or during sporting activities that utilise the hip flexor muscles. Excessive tightness of the hip flexors can change lumbo-pelvic posture as it pulls the pelvis into an anteriorly tilted position. Increased anterior pelvic tilt increases the curve within the lumbar spine (lordosis) which in turn can cause the facet joint of the lumbar spine to be compressed more and tighten up surrounding back extensor muscles such as the erector spinae; this can lead to associated lower back pain.

Tight hip flexors and altered alignment of the pelvis can also lead to over-activity of the hip flexor muscles and altered neuromuscular activity of the gluteal and core muscles which can further be a source of hip pain.

What can we do to reduce hip flexor tightness?

Our experienced physiotherapists at Capital Physiotherapy can help to reduce hip flexor tightness and associated aches and pains through various treatment options which include:

• Massage and trigger point release
• Gluteal and core strengthening to improve lumbo-pelvic stability
• Neuromuscular training
• Stretches

What can you do to reduce hip flexor tightness?

To manage tight hip flexors stretch the hip flexors daily, try and stand up every 30-60 minutes to avoid sitting for prolonged periods.

Drop down into lunge position. Tilt pelvis backwards to activate glutes. Then lean forward at the hips, keeping the back in a neutral position. A stretch should be felt near the groin/front of the thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat up to 4 times a day. Stretch at least once a day.

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Correct Exercise Technique

Correct technique is crucial to ensuring the correct muscles are recruited during specific exercises. Poor technique leads to increased risk of injuries.

Correct Squat Technique:

• Straight back
• Knees behind the toes
• Stick the bottom out
• Keep heels on the ground

Common mistakes performing squats:

• Not sticking the bottom out far enough
• Arching the lower back
• Slouching the upper back
• Knees going over the toes
• Heels coming off the ground
• Weight on the toes rather than the heels

Correct push-up technique:

• The head, back and bottom are aligned to form a straight line
• When going down towards the ground, the chest should move forwards so that it lies in front of the shoulders
• The shoulder blades should be stabilised before descending so that they don’t stick out relative to the upper back

Common mistakes performing push-ups:

• Arching the lower back
• Dropping the head down towards the ground
• Shoulder blades sticking out
• Chest going straight towards the ground rather than moving forward as the body descends

Correct plank technique:

• Head, back and glutes should be aligned to form a horizontal line
• Glutes and core should be engaged
• Shoulder blades should be in line with the upper back

Common mistakes performing planks:

• Arching the lower back
• Head/neck drop down towards the ground
• Shoulder blades sticking out

At Capital Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists can create a personalised workout program just for you. Capital Physiotherapy will tailor to individual needs and wants. We will make sure that the program is challenging yet safe to do.

Tennis Elbow/Lateral Epicondylitis

One of the most common causes of elbow pain is the dreaded tennis elbow or, as it’s formally known, Lateral Epicondylitis. Tennis elbow affects predominantly the wrist and finger extensors that is located on the outside part of your forearm; specifically the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis and Longus). These muscles originates from the small bone bump on the outside of your elbow, and attaches to different parts of your hands.

The usual cause of a tennis elbow is usually due to a repetitive movement; specifically gripping activities. This is the reason why it’s called tennis elbow, this involves gripping a racquet. However, there usually is an issue with the person’s hitting technique. A common mistake is to use wrist extension to hit the ball. Your physio at Capital Physiotherapy can assess you in this regard.

Other common ways you can get tennis elbow are: prolonged computer work (typing), home renovations (hammering, painting) as well as carrying/lifting objects. In some cases, tennis elbow may also be as a result of some neck issues, including stiffness and nerve root irritation.

As you can see, it is important that you seek professional help when you have elbow pain. Inappropriate care will result in worsening of your symptoms as well as delayed healing. This may result in you requiring corticosteroid injections.

Your physio at Capital Physiotherapy is well equipped to look after you. They will spend the time that it takes to ensure you are cared for and get the results you need. They will make sure all contributing factors are considered and assessed. A thorough assessment is required so that you receive the correct treatment to get you back to your activities quickly!

Hope that through this video, viewer can gain a better understanding on tips to help with your tennis elbow pain. If you like our video please do like, subscribe and share 🙂

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Sitting for several hours a day working away at a desk can lead to adverse effects on the body. The human body is not designed to withstand seated postures for more than an hour at a time. When seated for extended periods of time, muscles around the hips, spine and legs can become tight as they are in stationary positions and not being utilised through active movements. Muscles in the wrists can also become tight if the hands and wrists are constantly being used for activities such as typing. Muscle tightness can progressively get worse over time and lead to aches and pains. These aches and pains can then result in reduced activation the muscles which can lead to reduced muscle strength and subsequent movement impairments.

It is important to manage muscle tightness in order to prevent and/or reduce associated pain and movement limitations. At Capital Physiotherapy our physiotherapists can help reduce the aches and pains in the office-worker through targeted treatment strategies. Our physiotherapists also emphasise the importance of self-management of reducing tightness through regular stretching in the workplace. Capital physiotherapy have devised a series of stretches that can be performed regularly in the workplace to reduce muscle tightness and discomfort. Our physiotherapists recommend stretching every hour or two, holding each stretch for 30 seconds.

Watch our previous Video on
5 quick and easy way to make your work station more ergonomic

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By Leah Christoforou