GENERAL INFORMATION
The pelvic girdle serves as a critical structure in the human body, acting as a juncture between the spine and the legs while supporting various organs in the pelvic and abdominal regions. It is composed of the hip bones—ilium, ischium, and pubis—along with the sacrum and coccyx. This complex is pivotal in transmitting the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs and in providing an attachment point for multiple muscles that facilitate movement and maintain stability.
ORIGIN OF PELVIC GIRDLE
- Gluteal Muscles: Originate from the ilium, sacrum, and coccyx.
- Piriformis: Emerges from the anterior surface of the sacrum.
- Psoas Major: Starts from the lumbar vertebrae.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: Span the base of the pelvis from one hip bone to the other.
INSERTION POINT OF PELVIC GIRDLE
- Gluteal Muscles: Attach to various points on the femur and contribute to the iliotibial tract.
- Piriformis: Inserts at the greater trochanter of the femur.
- Psoas Major: Attaches to the lesser trochanter of the femur.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: Anchor at several points within the pelvis to support pelvic organs.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The pelvic girdle’s blood supply includes the internal iliac arteries and their branches, which are essential for supplying the area with sufficient blood flow to support muscular and skeletal health.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The pelvic girdle is innervated by a network of nerves, including the sciatic nerve, femoral nerve, and the branches of the sacral plexus. These nerves are crucial for coordinating the complex muscle actions required for lower body movements and stability.
TRIGGER POINT OF PELVIC GIRDLE
Trigger points in the pelvic girdle muscles, particularly in the piriformis and pelvic floor muscles, can lead to significant discomfort and symptoms such as lower back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain. These symptoms often require specific therapeutic approaches to manage effectively.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The muscles of the pelvic girdle perform vital movements, including:
- Gluteal Muscles: Engage in hip extension, abduction, and rotation, which is crucial for walking and running.
- Piriformis: Facilitates lateral rotation of the extended hip.
- Psoas Major: Primary hip flexor, critical for lifting the leg.
- Pelvic Floor Muscles: Contract to support the pelvic organs and assist in stabilising the pelvis.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The pelvic girdle muscles also control movements such as lowering the leg during walking or running and stabilising the pelvis against rotational forces, which is essential for activities that involve twisting or turning motions.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometrically, the pelvic girdle muscles stabilise the pelvis and spine during activities that require a fixed trunk and pelvis, such as lifting heavy objects or maintaining posture while sitting.
RELATED MUSCLE-SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Gluteus Maximus, Medius, and Minimus: Primary muscles for hip movement and stability.
- Levator Ani and Coccygeus (Pelvic Floor Muscles): Support pelvic organs and maintain pelvic stability.
ANTAGONIST
- Abdominal Muscles: Counteract the pelvic tilt induced by the pelvic floor and lower back muscles.
- Hip Flexors (Iliopsoas): Oppose the extension motion of the gluteal muscles.
COMMON INJURIES
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Issues such as incontinence and pelvic pain.
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Pain and instability in the sacroiliac joint.
- Piriformis syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve causing pain and numbness along the leg.
- Hip labral tears: Caused by trauma or degeneration affecting hip stability.
EXERCISES FOR PELVIC GIRDLE
- Bridges: Elevate the hips while lying on your back to engage and strengthen the gluteal and pelvic floor muscles.
- Squats and Lunges: These compound movements engage the entire pelvic girdle, enhancing muscular coordination and strength.
- Leg Abductions: Performed standing or lying to strengthen the muscles that stabilise the pelvis.
- Kegels: Specifically target the tightening and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles, which are crucial for their functional health.
STRETCHES FOR PELVIC GIRDLE
- Pigeon Pose: Excellent for opening the hip and stretching the piriformis and surrounding gluteal muscles.
- Pelvic Tilts: Enhance flexibility and control of the pelvic muscles.
- Butterfly Stretch: Targets the muscles of the inner thigh and lower pelvis.
- Hip Flexor Stretch: Essential for lengthening the muscles that often tighten due to prolonged sitting.
