Unlocking Your Hips & Lower Back for Lasting Relief
Most lower back pain isn't about your back at all. It's a signal that your hips are locked up. Let's fix that.
This is my core philosophy in action. Often, the place that hurts is just the symptom, not the cause. We'll work together to find the real source of the issue, like addressing hip mobility to relieve that persistent lower back pain.
Here is a complete mobility sequence that targets your hips from every angle. We work through movements like the Lizard Reach and Cossack Glide to improve flexibility and joint stability, which is essential for overall movement health.
It's a common misconception that tight hip flexors just need to be stretched. Often, they are weak. I'll show you how to strengthen them properly to improve your pelvic stability and alignment.
Got three minutes? That's all it takes to run through this quick sequence designed to unlock a tight lower back. These are simple movements you can do anywhere to find immediate relief.
Building a "bulletproof" spine means working on it from all angles. This routine incorporates spinal rotations and side bends, using tools like bands and kettlebells to build strength and resilience through your core.
If you have a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting, your hips are probably asking for help. These three simple exercises are designed to counteract the negative effects of sitting and restore mobility.
To build a truly strong lower body, you need to target the smaller stabilizing muscles around the hips. This video demonstrates four advanced exercises, including the Reverse Copenhagen Raise and Hamstring Glider, to build comprehensive hip strength.
The Jefferson Curl is an advanced exercise for spinal flexion and hamstring length. Here I am demonstrating a variation with a Zercher hold to add an extra challenge for the upper back and core.
Using a wall is a great way to support your body while opening up tight adductors or inner thigh muscles. This is a simple yet deep stretch I incorporate to improve hip mobility.
The Jefferson Curl is a fantastic exercise for decompressing the spine and stretching the entire posterior chain. I focus on slow, controlled movement to get the maximum benefit without risk.
About Unlocking Your Hips & Lower Back
If you spend most of your day at a desk, your hip flexors are likely locked in a shortened position, pulling on your lumbar spine and causing that persistent ache. I don't just ask you to stretch those muscles because tight often means weak. Instead, we use controlled drills like the Lizard Reach and hip extension sequences to actively strengthen the joint through its full range, which is how you actually build the stability needed for lasting relief.
Why Your Back Is Acting Up
Most people chase the spot that hurts. When your lower back flares up, the immediate instinct is to stretch the back itself. But that rarely works for long. Your lower back is often forced to do the job your hips were supposed to do. If your hips are stiff from sitting or inactivity, your spine has to compensate by hyper-extending, leading to that familiar stiffness and discomfort.
My Approach to Hip Health
I don't believe in quick fixes. My sessions focus on:
- Active Mobility: We move past passive stretching. We use exercises like the Cossack Glide and Hip Switches to teach your body how to control its own range of motion.
- Strengthening the 'Tight' Areas: Often, a muscle feels tight because it is weak and guarding. We use bands and bodyweight to build strength in end-range positions.
- Functional Integration: We translate this mobility into daily life. Whether you are squatting to pick something up or just climbing stairs, I help you learn to use your glutes and hips to protect your spine.
What to Expect
We start with a thorough look at how you move—your gait, your squat, and your resting posture. From there, we build a routine that actually fits your schedule. I am not going to ask you to spend hours foam rolling. I will give you 5-10 minute sequences that you can do at home or between meetings to keep things moving. We use a mix of Pilates-based equipment like the Wunda Chair and basic floor work to get you feeling better, not just grinding through the pain.
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