The anterior pelvic tilt aka “APT” aka America’s most wanted posture.
You’ve likely heard all the things - APT causes back and hip pain. It’s why your hip flexors are so tight. It’s why you get discomfort when you run.
But how much of this is true? Is APT as bad as everyone says it is? And if it is, what do we do about it?
Pain is complex. Movement doesn’t have to be, but with so much information out there, it too gets complicated.
“Fixing” Anterior Pelvic Tilt vs. Reducing Pain
Most people discover what anterior pelvic tilt is only once they start looking for answers to their pain problem. There is not a lot of good evidence that shows a link between anterior pelvic tilt and pain. In fact, studies have shown the exact opposite.
Posture, by itself, does not cause pain. Instead, pain is a complex process that is heavily influenced by our brain.
Strategy for Chronic Pain
I also love movement and understanding how it affects pain has always fascinated me. In my programs, I teach students to let go of the need to find out why they are in pain.
Exercise Strategies for Anterior Pelvic Tilt
Even though it is unlikely that an anterior pelvic tilt alone causes pain, it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do things to address it. If our body is ‘stuck” in a certain posture, then this might make movement uncomfortable. We want movement options and freedom.