Ab Routines for Injury Prevention

By Megan Peach, DPT, OCS, CSCS
megan@excelptmt.com

Need a good reason to re-start that ab routine? How about injury prevention!

The “core” is a combination of active and passive components including the abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, spinal column and pelvis.  “Core stability” essentially means the ability to control the position & motion of the trunk to allow for the transfer of force & energy from the spine to the extremities.

Recent studies are showing a relationship between core stability & lower extremity injuries and are finding that decreased core stability may actually increase the risk for lower extremity injury such as hip, knee and ankle injury. Good core stability will provide the lower extremities with a solid base to run, jump, kick, and play!

Here is a selection of exercises to strengthen your core stability to help reduce potential injuries in the lower extremity and for overall improved stability.

Supine 1Supine 2

Bridges 2Bridges 2

Prone Planks

Side Planks

Click here to print the above program: Ab Routines for Injury Prevention Handout

Contact us with any questions about these exercises.  (Always consult a medical professional before beginning or changing an exercise program.)

 

Megan Peach, DPT, CSCS

megan at excelptmt dot com
Excel Physical Therapy Bozeman
406.556.0562

"Over the past couple years, I have received care from Jason, Megan and David. Always a great experience with excellent results." --C.B., Bozeman patient

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