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Video exercises for back pain

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Our videos have been provided courtesy of Physiotec, the creators of innovative and adaptable exercise software for physiotherapists. 

We recommend that you seek advice from a physiotherapist or healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regime.  If any of these exercises worsen your pain, please seek urgent medical advice.

TA activation, heel slide

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and your back in a neutral position (halfway between flat back and arched back).
  • Engage your core by recruiting your pelvic floor and transverse abdominis.
  • Maintain a steady abdominal breathing while you slide one foot out until your leg is straight.
  • Return slowly to the initial position and repeat with the other leg.
  • Your back must stay in neutral at all times.

Extension lunge

  • Stand up with your feet together and take a step forward with the good leg.
  • The affected leg must stay planted on the ground with the heel down.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat.

Stretching quadriceps

  • Lie on your side with your injured leg up and your bottom knee bent in front of you to protect your back.
  • Reach back and grasp your ankle of your injured leg and gently pull towards your buttocks.
  • Move your knee back without arching your back until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh.
  • Keep your knee as low to the floor as possible and maintain the position.
  • You can use a towel or belt around your ankle to pull it towards your buttocks.

Pelvic tilt

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent.
  • Activate your lower abdominals (transversus abdomini) by bringing your belly button inward and by activating your pelvic floor muscles slightly.
  • Maintain a steady abdominal breathing while tilting your pelvis and flattening your back to the ground.
  • Return slowly to the initial position.
  • Next, arch your back, tilting your pelvis in the opposite direction.
  • Return to neutral and repeat.
  • Pause while in the neutral position to dissociate the 2 movements.

Knee to chest

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  • Bring one knee to your chest, helping yourself with the hands under your thigh.
  • Return to the starting position and repeat with the same leg.
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