Lordotic Arch - Page 2

Chris Lowndes · 12-04-2006, 03:52 AM

[quote=Yael Grauer;1353]Does anybody know what to do for the opposite problem? My friend who does massage told me that I have an overpronounced lordotic arch. I think he said that this is why my hips are so tight and my lower back is tight leading to upper back and neck pain,QUOTE]

Hello Yael,

Maybe if you look at this another way, you have a pronounced lordotic arch because you have tight muscles?

There are other methods to allow them to release other than stretching and invoking the stretch reflex. Whether it be through methods such as positional release or somatic methods. If you need any info let me know.

Regards

Chris

Allen Yeh · 12-04-2006, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yael Grauer

Does anybody know what to do for the opposite problem? My friend who does massage told me that I have an overpronounced lordotic arch. I think he said that this is why my hips are so tight and my lower back is tight leading to upper back and neck pain, but I was having trouble memorizing the five zillion new stretches he gave me. Apparently every single part of my body needs tons of work (and hearing that really helps me concentrate on holding myself in the utmost positive regard and put my attention on all of the ways that I am perfect and already doing everything just right, in order to follow a thread of positivity that will continue to deepen my excellence).

Anyway, since I think this arch thing is the root of all the problems, I thought I'd tackle that one first (that and trying to relax my neck...) Any suggestions? Also, are foam rollers the best alternative to getting chiropracty, massage, etc. etc. every single week forever?

Yael,

Mike Robertson and Eric Cressey have a series of articles over at T-nation titled "Neanderthal No More" parts I - V and it addresses the different types of common posture problems and their solutions for them. It is pretty lengthy but I think well worth the read.

I love my foam roller and tennis ball for soft tissue work, how that compares to professional I have no idea but even if you were getting regular massage I would see SMR as a great add on to that.

Greg Everett · 12-04-2006, 07:12 AM

hairdresser back! it may be from uber tight iliopsoas and/or weak/inactive glutes. stretch the front, sqeeze the back. stand profile in a mirror and do whatever it takes to reduce that arch and pay attention to what you're activating. then work on consciously doing whatever that is all the time. soon enough it will happen unconsciously.

Mike ODonnell · 12-04-2006, 07:41 AM

Assuming your upper body (shoulder alignment to ears) is ok, then your lordosis is caused most likely by (what people have already said) tight hip flexors, tight lower back, weak glutes. Try putting your feet up on a ball/chair while lying on the floor...that should help stretch out the lower back.

I'd have to go through his material again...but I believe Chek would say it also is caused by weak lower abdominal strength and lack of TVA activation.

Yael Grauer · 12-04-2006, 08:34 AM

Chris, yeah I'd be interested in learning more about the methods you mentioned. I read a book about somatic therapy back in college and found it very interesting. I'll look for the neanderthal articles! What is SMR? Greg when you say stretch the front, sqeeze the back, what exactly am I stretching/squeezing? Also some of this might be because my posture at work isn't the best. We have these high high counters and swivel chairs, and I usually move my chair all the way down because I hate it when my feet cant' touch the ground, and then I have to raise my head to see our customers. I wonder what my back's doing when I do this, will have to pay attention.My favorite new stretch is hanging my head down off my bed and stretching my neck that way....better than scalp massage... And no high heels for me!

Thanks everyone!

Allen Yeh · 12-04-2006, 08:44 AM

smr = Self myofascial release aka foam roller, tennis ball...etc

Greg Everett · 12-04-2006, 01:18 PM

stretching front - stretching iliopsoas and rectus femoris. lunge + back lean (without allowing hyperlordosis)

sqeeze back - contract the glutes.

Robb Wolf · 12-04-2006, 03:51 PM

As per Kelly Starrett's instructions we have people do a lunge stretch with the rear foot elevated on a 20" box. This becomes amazingly intense and has been coined "The Death Stretch". Enjoy!

Mike ODonnell · 12-04-2006, 06:01 PM

Robb have her add a heavy 1 arm-DB hold overhead to make it Death Stretch part II.

Yael Grauer · 12-04-2006, 07:16 PM

What's with all the death and dying today?