Free Back Pain Exercises Physical Therapy Library
STRENGTHENING Floor Mat • Beginner Discs: L3-L4, L4-L5, L5-S1

Glute Bridge Pelvic Stabilization

Prolonged sitting causes "gluteal amnesia" where hip extensors fail to fire, forcing the lower back to compensate. The glute bridge trains hip extension through the glutes while stabilizing the lumbar spine and pelvis.

BIOMECHANICAL MOVEMENT DIAGRAM
Clinical back pain images demonstration - GLUTE & PELVIC STABILITY
GLUTE & PELVIC STABILITY
🎯 Posterior Chain

Step-by-Step Execution

CLINICAL PROTOCOL
  1. 1 Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor hip-width apart, and arms by your sides.
  2. 2 Engage your abdominal core as if bracing for a light punch.
  3. 3 Drive through your heels to lift your hips toward the ceiling until knees, hips, and shoulders form a straight diagonal line.
  4. 4 Squeeze your glutes tightly at the top for 3 seconds without over-arching your lower back.
  5. 5 Slowly lower your hips back down with control. Complete 10 to 12 repetitions.
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KEY FORM CUES

  • ✓ Drive power through your heels, not your toes.
  • ✓ Ensure the lift comes from the glutes, not by hyperextending your lumbar spine.
⚠️

MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • ✗ Do not flare your ribs or overarch your lower back at top.
  • ✗ Do not let your knees collapse inward.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS & WHEN TO AVOID

Do not perform this movement or modify strictly under clinical supervision if you have:

  • Acute abdominal hernia
  • Severe spinal stenosis aggravated by extension
SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONS & CITATIONS

Clinical Biomechanics & Evidence

This exercise protocol utilizes proven spinal mechanics: active core co-contraction (McGill stabilization), directional preference extension (McKenzie MDT), and non-compressive axial elongation to facilitate nutrient exchange in the avascular intervertebral disc matrix.

• McGill, S.M. (2016). Low Back Disorders: Evidence-Based Prevention and Rehabilitation. Human Kinetics.
• Delitto, A., et al. (2021). Low Back Pain Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (JOSPT).
CLINICAL DOSAGE
Hold Duration 3 Seconds
Repetitions 12 reps
Prescription Sets 3 sets
Difficulty Beginner
Position Floor Mat
TARGET MUSCLES
Gluteus Maximus Hamstrings
STABILIZER MUSCLES
Transverse Abdominis Multifidus Quadriceps