Eden Sports Injury Clinic

30/03/2026

Sports Massage appointment available tomorrow 31st at 3pm

24/03/2026

Appointments available Wednesday 25th at 11.30am & Thursday 26th at 9.30am

19/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100063455353706/posts/1578201674304996/

Hi folks, please see below details of my next block of classes starting 23rd March, places can be booked via the link below or just text me on WhatsApp for any details and to book a class.

The classes cater for complete beginners aswell as returning yogis, the beauty of Yoga is that all postures can be modified to suit different abilities so if you have a pulse this is for you 😀 come along and have a go, you'll love how much better you'll feel after the class.

https://bookwhen.com/edensportsinjuryclinic

19/03/2026

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13/03/2026

I treat dysfunction of this system on a daily basis, generally weak or inactive glutes are the 1st trigger of this sequence of muscles working incorrectly

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The Posterior Oblique System: A Key Player in Functional Core Stability

The human body does not function as isolated muscles working independently. Instead, movement and stability are produced through integrated myofascial systems that connect muscles across different regions of the body. One of the most important of these systems is the Posterior Oblique System (POS), which plays a major role in core stability, force transfer, and efficient movement.

The Posterior Oblique System primarily consists of the gluteus maximus, the contralateral latissimus dorsi, and the thoracolumbar fascia (TLF). These structures form a diagonal sling across the back of the body, connecting the upper and lower extremities through the trunk.

Biomechanically, this sling system works during movements such as walking, running, lifting, and rotational activities. When the gluteus maximus on one side contracts, it creates tension in the thoracolumbar fascia, which simultaneously engages the latissimus dorsi on the opposite side. This cross-body activation forms a powerful stabilizing mechanism that helps control movement of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joint.

The thoracolumbar fascia acts like a tension-transmitting sheet that links these muscles together. When both the gluteus maximus and latissimus dorsi contract, they tighten the fascia, creating a force closure mechanism around the sacroiliac joint. This increased tension improves pelvic stability and allows efficient force transfer between the lower limbs and upper body.

This system becomes especially important during gait mechanics. As one leg pushes off the ground, the opposite arm swings forward. The Posterior Oblique System coordinates this cross-body movement, ensuring that rotational forces are stabilized while the body moves forward efficiently.

When this system functions properly, it helps maintain lumbar spine stability, pelvic control, and optimal load distribution through the trunk. However, weakness in the gluteus maximus, poor activation of the latissimus dorsi, or dysfunction in the thoracolumbar fascia can disrupt this sling system. This may contribute to lower back pain, sacroiliac joint instability, and inefficient movement patterns.

From a biomechanical perspective, the Posterior Oblique System highlights the importance of integrated movement rather than isolated muscle training. Exercises that combine hip extension, trunk stability, and upper-body engagement—such as deadlifts, rotational movements, and functional pulling patterns—help strengthen this sling system.

Understanding the Posterior Oblique System reinforces a fundamental principle of human biomechanics: true core stability comes from coordinated muscle chains that connect the entire body, not just the abdominal muscles alone.

08/03/2026

Hi folks, please see below details of my next block of classes starting 23rd March, places can be booked via the link below or just text me on WhatsApp for any details and to book a class.

The classes cater for complete beginners aswell as returning yogis, the beauty of Yoga is that all postures can be modified to suit different abilities so if you have a pulse this is for you 😀 come along and have a go, you'll love how much better you'll feel after the class.

https://bookwhen.com/edensportsinjuryclinic

05/03/2026

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Understanding the Biomechanics Behind Asymmetrical Hip & Low Back Dysfunction

The human body functions through a coordinated interaction of muscles, joints, and fascial chains. When one part of this system becomes tight or weak, the body compensates by redistributing forces along the kinetic chain. The image illustrates a common lumbopelvic muscle imbalance pattern, where certain muscles become overactive and tight while others become inhibited and weak.

At the center of this pattern is the lumbopelvic complex, which acts as the biomechanical bridge between the upper body and the lower limbs. The quadratus lumborum, located in the lower back, plays a major role in stabilizing the lumbar spine and controlling lateral pelvic tilt. When this muscle becomes tight on one side, it can elevate the pelvis and create asymmetrical loading across the lumbar vertebrae. This imbalance alters spinal alignment and may increase compressive stress on the intervertebral joints.

Another key contributor is the psoas muscle, one of the primary hip flexors. A tight psoas can pull the lumbar spine into increased lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt. This creates excessive lumbar extension forces and alters the position of the pelvis during standing and walking. Because the psoas attaches directly to the lumbar vertebrae, its tightness can influence spinal mechanics and contribute to persistent low back discomfort.

While some muscles become tight, others lose their ability to generate sufficient force. The gluteal muscles, especially the gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, are critical stabilizers of the pelvis during movement. When these muscles are weak or inhibited, they cannot properly control hip extension and pelvic stability. As a result, surrounding muscles such as the quadratus lumborum and hip flexors compensate, leading to inefficient load transfer through the pelvis.

The imbalance often extends further down the lower limb. Tight adductor muscles on the inner thigh may pull the femur into excessive adduction, altering hip alignment during walking or standing. At the same time, weak hamstrings reduce posterior chain support for the pelvis. This combination disrupts the normal balance between anterior and posterior muscular forces around the hip joint.

From a biomechanical perspective, these imbalances change how forces travel through the body during everyday movements. Instead of distributing load evenly through the hips and pelvis, the body shifts stress toward the lumbar spine and surrounding soft tissues. Over time, this can lead to inefficient gait patterns, pelvic instability, and increased risk of low back pain or hip dysfunction.

Restoring optimal biomechanics requires rebalancing the muscular system. Tight structures must regain flexibility while weak muscles must recover their stabilizing function. When the lumbopelvic region regains proper muscular balance, the spine, pelvis, and lower limbs can once again share mechanical loads efficiently.

The body rarely fails at a single joint. Most dysfunction begins with imbalance—and restoring balance is the key to restoring movement.

01/03/2026

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Glutes Are Made for Walking: The Biomechanics Behind Every Step

Walking may appear simple, but it is a highly coordinated biomechanical process, and the gluteal muscles play a crucial role in making it efficient and stable. The gluteus maximus, the largest and most powerful hip extensor, is primarily responsible for driving the body forward by extending the hip during the stance phase of gait. As the foot contacts the ground, this muscle activates to control trunk flexion and prevent the torso from collapsing forward, ensuring upright posture and efficient forward progression.

During mid-stance, the gluteus medius and minimus act as pelvic stabilizers. When standing on one leg, as occurs in each step of walking, these muscles contract to maintain a level pelvis. Without this stabilization, the pelvis drops toward the unsupported side, resulting in compensatory trunk lean and inefficient gait mechanics. Proper activation of these muscles ensures smooth weight transfer and minimizes energy expenditure during locomotion.

As the body moves over the planted foot, the gluteus maximus contributes to hip extension and external rotation, helping align the femur and maintain optimal lower-limb mechanics. This alignment prevents excessive femoral internal rotation and knee valgus, protecting the knee joint and improving shock absorption. The gluteal complex also works synergistically with the hamstrings and core muscles to create a stable lumbopelvic platform, which is essential for efficient force transmission.

In terminal stance and push-off, strong glutes assist in propelling the body forward by maintaining hip extension and contributing to stride length. If the glutes are weak or inhibited—often due to prolonged sitting or poor movement habits—hip extension becomes limited. The body compensates through lumbar hyperextension, overuse of hamstrings, or increased stress at the knee and ankle, which may lead to fatigue, pain, or overuse injuries.

Efficient walking depends on a well-coordinated kinetic chain, and the glutes serve as the engine that powers and stabilizes movement. Strong, well-activated gluteal muscles improve posture, enhance stride efficiency, reduce joint stress, and prevent compensatory movement patterns. In essence, every effective step begins at the hips, making glute strength fundamental for both everyday mobility and long-term musculoskeletal health.

28/02/2026

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CENTRE OF GRAVITY SHIFT & BIOMECHANICAL ALIGNMENT

In ideal standing and single-leg support, the body’s centre of gravity (COG) is carefully aligned so that the line of gravity passes through the trunk, pelvis, hip, knee, and finally the foot. This vertical alignment minimizes muscular effort while maximizing joint stability. When alignment is optimal, ground reaction forces are efficiently transferred upward, allowing the skeleton to bear load with minimal strain on soft tissues.

In normal single-leg stance, the COG shifts slightly toward the stance limb, but it remains well controlled. The pelvis stays level because the hip abductors (especially gluteus medius and minimus) generate sufficient force to counterbalance body weight. This creates a stable pelvis, keeps the lumbar spine relatively neutral, and allows the knee and ankle to remain stacked under the trunk. The result is efficient load sharing, reduced joint stress, and economical movement.

In contrast, during a Trendelenburg alignment, weakness or delayed activation of the stance-side hip abductors alters this balance. As body weight loads the stance limb, the pelvis drops on the unsupported side. To prevent falling, the trunk often leans toward the stance side, shifting the COG laterally. Although this compensatory lean reduces the hip abductor demand, it disrupts overall biomechanical alignment and increases compressive forces across the hip joint.

This altered COG shift has consequences throughout the kinetic chain. At the hip, joint reaction forces rise and local stabilizers are overworked. At the lumbar spine, lateral flexion and asymmetrical loading increase shear stress, often contributing to low-back discomfort. Distally, the knee may experience altered valgus or varus moments, while the ankle and foot adapt through pronation or supination to maintain balance.

Over time, repeated movement with poor COG control leads to inefficient gait patterns, early fatigue, and a higher risk of overuse injuries. What begins as a local hip control issue can manifest as knee pain, lumbar strain, or foot and ankle dysfunction. This highlights why alignment is not just a static concept but a dynamic interaction between muscle control, joint positioning, and gravity.

From a biomechanical perspective, restoring proper alignment means improving hip abductor strength, neuromuscular timing, and trunk control. When the pelvis is stabilized and the COG remains closer to the base of support, the entire body moves more efficiently. Balanced alignment reduces compensations, protects joints, and supports pain-free movement during standing, walking, and functional activities.

In summary, the image illustrates a powerful principle: where the centre of gravity goes, alignment follows. Maintaining controlled COG positioning is fundamental to healthy biomechanics, efficient load transfer, and long-term musculoskeletal resilience.

23/02/2026

Sports massage appointment available Wednesday 25th February at 11.30am

22/02/2026

22/02/2026

6wk block of classes starting 23rd March, see details below, looking forward to meeting new and welcoming back familiar faces in the Spring!
https://bookwhen.com/edensportsinjuryclinic