Dynamic core stability is the ability of the body to use various muscles in complex ways to control movement around the pelvis, lower trunk and abdomen. Core stability allows for optimum posture both when stationary and with activity and also helps to reduce the risk of injury.
Poor core stability results in poor posture, inefficient transfer of power from the upper body to the lower and vice versa and a marked increase in the risk of injuries to many body areas, including the lower back and pelvis, mid-back and neck and the lower limbs. Many types of injury can adversely affect the capacity of the stabilising muscles resulting in reduced core stability, which may then result in an increased risk of re-injury or further injury. Hence, the retraining of the core stabilising muscles is often a critical part of any rehabilitation program.
Signs of Poor Core Stability
- Weak stomach muscles
- Poor balance
- “Collapsing” technique eg running or landing
- Slower times
- Less power
- Increased injuries, aches and pains
Uses of Core Stability
- Helps to reduce back pain
- Prevents muscle imbalance, thereby decreasing the risk of injury
- Increases athletic performance in various sports
- Aids in the treatment of lower back pain, sacroiliac pain, groin pain and hamstring strain
- Improves posture and takes the strain off the spine
Physiotherapists regularly make use of core stability in their rehabilitation programs because it helps all the muscles of the core to work more efficiently together. Strong core muscles benefit not just the athlete, but the housewife, employees who do heavy lifting on their jobs, pregnant women, as well as those who have just given birth. Core stability trains all the muscles to contract together at the right time – before any movement of the extremities takes place – and thus preventing injury. At Janet Brandt-Sarif Physiotherapy, we can help you improve your functional fitness by improving your core stability via physiotherapy, so you can perform better at whatever you do. Why not come in and see us today?
