What is Anterior Pelvic Tilt? Causes, Symptoms, and How to Fix It

Treating ATP might seem a difficult task, but it is not uncommon. It will require some time and consistency to work on solving the problem. Some techniques and exercises will help you get rid of the problem.

If you have APT, there are many things you can do to fix it. You can soon enjoy better posture and pain-free movement with the right exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes.

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Causes of Anterior Pelvic Tilt

The most common cause of APT is weak abdominal and core muscles. When your abs are weak, your body will try to compensate by overworking your hip flexors which pull your pelvis forward. Another common reason that tells the presence of APT is genetics. Your genes significantly shape your body, which you cannot ignore.

Obesity, pregnancy , and sitting for long periods are other common causes of anterior pelvic tilt. Obesity weakens the muscles in your abdomen and lower back, leading to a forward tilt of the pelvis. Pregnancy can also cause anterior pelvic tilt because of the extra weight in the front of the body. Sitting for long periods can lead to tightness in the hip flexors, pulling the pelvis forward and causing an anterior tilt.

Anterior pelvic tilt can also be caused by poor posture or muscle imbalances. If you have weak abdominal muscles or tight hip flexors, you may start to slouch forward, which can lead to an anterior pelvic tilt. Muscle imbalances between the muscles in the front and back of the body can also cause anterior pelvic tilt. If the muscles in the front of the body are stronger than those in the back, it can pull the pelvis forward into an anterior tilt.

Related Article: Hip Flexor Exercises to Improve Strength and Flexibility

Symptoms of Anterior Pelvic Tilt

If you're wondering whether or not you have an anterior pelvic tilt, there are a few signs and symptoms to look out for. The anterior pelvic tilt is a condition in which the front of your pelvis is higher than the back. This can cause several problems, including lower back pain, hip pain, and knee pain. Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with anterior pelvic tilt:

Lower Back Pain:

Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints associated with anterior pelvic tilt. This is because tilting your pelvis puts extra strain on your lower back muscles and ligaments.

Hip Pain:

It is another common symptom of anterior pelvic tilt. Hip pain is due to tilting your pelvis, as it can put extra pressure on your hip joints, leading to pain and inflammation.

Knee Pain:

Anterior pelvic tilt can also cause knee pain, as your pelvic tilt can put extra strain on your knees. It is essential to look out for the signs to avoid problems in the future.

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Tightness in the Lower Back and Hamstrings:

People with anterior pelvic tilt often complain of tightness in their lower back and hamstrings. Your pelvic tilt results in the tightness of lower back muscles, and your hamstrings are also likely to become tighter and less flexible.

Poor Posture:

Anterior pelvic tilt can also cause poor posture. Extreme pelvic tilt can throw off your body's natural alignment, slouching, or hunching over.

If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, you must see a doctor to rule out other potential causes. The anterior pelvic tilt is a treatable condition, but it's essential to catch it early to avoid further complications.

Anterior Pelvic Tilt Test

If you want to find out if you have an anterior pelvic tilt, look for the common symptoms described earlier and make an appointment with your doctor. If you're unsure whether you have a misaligned pelvis, there is a quick and easy test you can do from the comfort of your own home.

Doing this test or having someone close to you do it will give some insight into whether there is a pelvic tilt. However, getting a doctor's insight is always recommended to rule out the possibilities.

Instructions:

• Lie on a firm surface with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• Place your hand under your low back and try to flatten your low back into the floor.
• Allow one leg to straighten while keeping the other leg bent with the foot flat on the floor.
• Keeping your hand under your low back, raise your hips until your low back is no longer in contact with the floor, and hold for 5 seconds.
• Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.
• Repeat 3-5 times on each side.

If you have an anterior pelvic tilt, you will likely notice that it is easier to raise your hips when your non-weight-bearing leg is straight. You may also feel your low back is overarching when lying flat on the floor.

When you are diagnosed with a tilted pelvis, your doctor or physical therapist will likely take an exact measurement to determine the angle of the tilt. This will allow them to create a treatment plan specific to your needs.

How to Fix Your Anterior Pelvic Tilt

The following are a variety of stretches and exercises that can help return the pelvis to a neutral position in cases of anterior pelvic tilt. Use a yoga mat for all these exercises for stability.

Plank

Planks are an excellent way to improve your posture and alleviate back pain. To do a plank:

• Start in a push-up position, then lower yourself so that your elbows and forearms are on the ground.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds or longer.
• Try holding the plank for 1 minute or more as you get stronger.
• Do 3 sets of planks per day.

Glute Bridge

The glute bridge can help strengthen the muscles in your back and buttocks, which can help to correct the anterior pelvic tilt (APT). To do this exercise:

• Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
• Lift your hips off the floor, keeping your shoulders and head on the ground.
• Hold this position for 5 seconds, then lower your hips to the floor.
• Repeat 10 times.

Wall Sit

Wall sits will strengthen your quads and glutes, which can help with APT. To do this exercise:

• Stand against a wall, then slide down until your thighs parallel the ground.
• Ensure your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle and your feet are flat on the ground.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, then stand up and rest for 10 seconds.
• Repeat 3 times.

Side Planks

Side planks target your obliques and help fix your anterior pelvic tilt. To do a side plank:

• Start in a push-up position, then rotate your body so that your weight rests on one forearm and the outside edge of your foot.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds or longer.
• Do 3 sets of side planks per day.

Squats

Squats are one of the best exercises for fixing your anterior pelvic tilt. To do a perfect squat:

• Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward.
• Slowly lower your buttocks and back as if you're going to sit in a chair. Make sure to keep your knees behind your toes and your chest up.
• Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, pause and stand back up.

Hamstring Stretch

Hamstring stretch will help stretch the muscles in the back of your thighs, which can help with APT. To do this exercise:

• Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
• Lift one leg off the ground and place a towel around the sole of your foot.
• Pull on the towel until you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.

Hip Flexor Stretch

Hip flexor stretch will help you stretch the muscles in the front of your hips. To do this exercise:

• Kneel on one knee with the other foot placed flat on the ground in front of you.
• Lean forward, keeping your back straight, until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip.
• Hold this position for 30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat.

Pelvic Tilt

This simple move can help improve your posture and alleviate pain caused by APT. To do this exercise:

• Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
• Tighten your stomach muscles and tilt your pelvis upward, so your back is flat against the floor.
• Hold this position for 5 seconds, then relax.
• Repeat 10 times.

FAQs

1. What problems can anterior pelvic tilt cause?

Anterior pelvic tilt can cause several problems, including:

• Reduced gluteal muscle activation and strength
• Hamstring and lower back tightness
• Increased stress on the knees
• Poor posture
• Reduced ability to generate power through the hips

2. What exercises can I do to fix anterior pelvic tilt?

Several exercises can help to fix anterior pelvic tilt, including:

• Glute bridges
• Hip thrusts
• Squats
• Lunges
• Deadlifts

3. Are there other types of pelvic tilt?

Yes, there are two other types of pelvic tilt: posterior pelvic tilt and neutral pelvic tilt. The posterior pelvic tilt is when the top of the pelvis tilts backward, and the neutral pelvic tilt is when the pelvis is in line with the rest of the spine. However, anterior pelvic tilt is by far the most common type of pelvic tilt.

4. What are the consequences of untreated anterior pelvic tilt?

If left untreated, anterior pelvic tilt can lead to chronic back pain and knee, hip, and ankle pain. Additionally, it can contribute to poor posture and decreased mobility.

Conclusion

Anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is a condition where the front of the pelvis tilts downward, and the back of the pelvis tilts upward. This can cause an increased arch in the lower back. APT can also lead to tightness in the hips and hamstrings and weak abdominal muscles.

The most common treatment for APT is strengthening the abdominal muscles and stretching the hip flexors. You can do this with exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and leg raises. Often, a physiotherapist or doctor can help create a customized exercise program.

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