PELVIC MUSCLE IMBALANCE restricted muscles

■ Relaxation of the hypertonic muscles ■ Lengthen restricted connective tissue ■ Help restore pelvic joint mechanics ■ Reduce pain/soreness ■ Improve functions, pedal symmetry, endurance and strength.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS This article looks mainly looking at the assessment and treatment of muscle imbal- ances to the pelvis, however the following points should be investigated to enhance the long-term resolution.

Possible causes of PMI: ■ Seat height - requires a biomechanical assessment to examine cycling posture

■ Intrapelvic instability - treated by pilates and physiotherapy

■ Peripelvic strength - turning on and off the required muscles

■ Motor control/functional stability - exposure to the right stimulus riding on rollers helps with natural stabilisation mechanisms.

■ Trauma accidents, direct injuries and falls.

The following are helpful tips on how to avoid pelvis muscle instability and other related dysfunction.

It should be noted

even if these are followed it will not nec- essarily guarantee that PMI won’t develop: ■ Regular soft tissue therapy to address areas or soreness/stiffness and restric- tion

■ Regular stretching ■ Advise the individual to get their bike set up by a professional

■ The individual should train within their capabilities. Ideally they should have a structured training programme set by someone who has qualifications and experience. They should also be familiar with the individual’s capabilities and goals

■ Assessment and treatment for injuries sustained from trauma, falls, accidents and postural considerations

■ Strength and conditioning for peri pelvic, intrapelvic and functional instability.

The associated factors in pelvic imbalance may co-exist and therefore it has been my experience to refer clients on for both bio- mechanical considerations, to address strength and conditioning in relation to any of the associated factors (physiothera- py etc), and also to a specialist coach for training fundamentals. A referral for muscle

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strengthening and movement coordination is an integral key to the effectiveness and stability of the pelvic imbalance.

It should also be noted that pre-existing lower back intervertebral disc pathologies, apophyseal joint injury, stress fractures, spondylolisthesis or any severe constant pain is not be confused with PMI. Further examination by a sports physician or phys- iotherapist may be required to rule out these pathologies.

THE AUTHOR

Stuart Hinds is a lecturer in remedial soft tis- sue techniques at Victoria and RMIT Univeristy, Australia. Stuart has been involved with elite cycling (national and international) and a range of athletes from all professional levels of sport. Stuart was a part of the International Olympic Committee’s massage services for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games/and soft tissue ser- vices for the Australian Olympic Team for the 2004 Athens’ Olympic games. He is also soft tissue therapist for the Geelong Football Club.

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