Project Description

WORKSHOP 4:

The Hip Grip – Psoas/ Piriformis Balance

Speaker: Thomas Myers


Short description

Assessing and achieving myofascial neutral in pelvic muscle complexes

 

Full description

The position of the hip joints relative to the ankle below and rib cage above is key to lumbopelvic balance.  This equipoise in humans is primarily determined through three major muscle groups:

  • the deep lateral rotators,
  • the adductor group, and
  • the psoas complex.

The psoas major and piriformis muscles particularly coordinate to form a ‘hip grip’  across the sacroiliac joint, crucial to efficient and sustainable gait patterns in the lumbar spine. Conversely, imbalance of the deep flexor / extensor complex leads to lack of support and resultant compensatory tension for the breath and spine above.  The hip, simply, is the foundation for the spine.

 

Format

  • Learn criteria for assessing various pelvic ‘neutrals’ in posture and gait, along with techniques in manual therapy and movement training for establishing sustainable improvement in positioning.
  • Understand the role of iliacus, obturator internus, piriformis, psoas major and minor, and quadratus lumborum as spinal muscles in functional postural and gait balance, and how to reach and affect these areas safely.
  • See the bodyside fascial continuities in dissection of untreated tissue, to better understand facial connections and force transmission from below to above the pelvis.  This workshop includes all new high definition video of each the Anatomy Trains Myofascial Meridian that passes through the pelvis, including anterior, posterior, lateral, spiral, and core chains.
  • Enjoy a lively presentation and discussion on the healthy role of fascial, neural, muscular, and epithelial tissue in biomechanical strain and pain patterns, as well as a revised definition of ‘core’.

 

Duration:  1-day

9:30 – 10:00 – Introductions, logistics, scope and outline of the day

10:00 – 10:30 – Fascial continuity and myofascial meridians: the visual evidence

10:30 – 11:00 – The Hip Grip defined: The 4-muscle clockwork around the SI joints in posture and gait.

11:00 – 11:15 – Coffee break

11:15 – 11:45 – Assessment for pelvic neutral – shift and tilt tests

11:45 – 12:30 – Technique:  Piriformis and Obturatur internus approaches

12:30 – 13;30 – Lunch

13:30 – 14:00 – The ‘Cobra’:  Psoas / Diaphragm Balance  – Global assessment

14:00 – 14:30 – Manual therapy technique and application: Psoas major, iliacus, quadratus lumborum

14:30 – 14:45 –  Overview of movement-based approaches to easing the Hip Grip

14:45 – 15:00 – Coffee break

15:00 – 15:45 – Case studies from presenter and personal assessments of participants

– chronic patterns of hip contraction and resultant upper body support.

15:45 – 16:30 – Review, Q&A, Conclusion and farewell.