MUSCLES OF THE HIP AND THE ACTIONS:
EXTERNAL ROTATORS: piriformis, GOGOs, quadratus femoris
FLEXORS: psoas, iliacus, rectus femoris
ADDUCTORS: adductor magnus, adductor longus & brevis, pectineus, gracilis
INTERNAL ROTATORS: gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, tensor fascia latae
EXTENSORS: semitendinosus & semimembranosus, biceps femoris, gluteus maximus
ABDUCTORS: gluteus medius, gluteus minimus

COMMENTS: The hips are the foundation of our lower bodies. They are the bowl that carries our deepest selves, our organs. The hips are balanced upon each femur, and then support the spine where the lumbar vertebrae meet the sacrum. The shape of the hip bones create an arch, with the top being the sacrum, and the sides coming down onto the femurs. This arched structure allows the hips to transfer the weight of the body to the femur bones.

There are 4 groups of muscles around the hips. These are the adductors (on the inside), the abductors (on the lateral hip), the flexors (on the anterior side) and the extensors (on the posterior aspect). These muscles control the movements of the hips. There are two major hip/back movements that we can evaluate- anterior rotation (tilting forward and an increase in lordosis) and posterior rotation (tilting back and an increase in kyphosis, or flat back).

With each distortion, there will be a diagonal pattern of tension through the body. For example, with posterior rotation the hamstrings and rectus abdominis will be tight. In an anterior rotation the rectus femoris and ilio-psoas on the front and the back erectors on the back will be tight. When the movement of the hips is exaggerated one way or another, it can result in lower back pain.

INJURY: Common injuries: Adductor Tendinitis or groin strain, gluteus medius tendonitis, quadriceps tendonitis, hamstring tendonitis, piriformis hypertension, sciatic nerve entrapment.

IMBALANCE: Of The Hip Region (the lower crossed syndrome). Muscles that tend to be short and tight: Iliopsoas, piriformis, rectus femoris, tensor fascia lata, adductors, external rotators, quadratus lumborum, iliotibial band, and hamstrings. Muscles that tend to be weak and inhibited: The quadriceps (except the rectus femoris), vastus medialis obliqueus, abdominals, and gluteus maximus, medius, and minimus.

ASSESSMENT: Gait analysis, visual postural assessment, passive and active movement assessment. Palpation. Biofeedback using E.M.G. and computer aided analysis. Gravity pattern assessment. Correction of faulty recruitment patterns using positive cueing techniques.

MASSAGE: Deep Tissue Massage, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Techniques.

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE/STRETCHING: Specific stretches to re-address balance of tight short muscles. Strengthening exercises to build up weak muscles.