Hip Mobility: A key to back, hip, and knee health

So, here I am again, talking about the hips.  Last post I quoted from Chris Powers, PhD, PT: "If something isn't being used, something else is being overused."   The hip is the "pickle in the middle" between the back and the knee. If the hip lacks mobility and the muscles surrounding the joint are tense, possibly the knee, or the back will over compensate.  It's kind of like if you don't speak someone's language and you want to communicate, you end up talking louder, as if the person is going to understand you better?  Well maybe your knee or your back are talking loud and it's time to learn the language... at the hip.
One of my favorite ways to get into the hips is to start with a bolster release.  I am a big fan of allowing the system to let down before moving into movement or stretch sequences. The bolster release demonstrated below is a timed rest position to focus on breathing (which helps to balance the nervous system) and restoring the resting length of the hip and spinal muscles. The second video demonstrates a movement drill to activate the muscles surrounding the hip. Have fun!

Susan McLaughlin is a physical therapist who specializes in the management of pelvic floor and orthopedic dysfunctions. She is the owner of ALIGN integration|movement in Salt Lake City, UT.  Helpful tips and other self care strategies can be found at www.alignforhealth.com.