What is Anterior Pelvic Tilt?
Anterior pelvic tilt definition:
Anterior pelvic tilt is the posture term used to describe the forward rotation of the pelvis, normally accompanied by lumbar spine extension.
Observed in the side views, anterior pelvic tilt (APT) is when the front of the pelvis tips down and the tailbone sticks out. APT is normally associated with creating excessive lumbar spine extension, or hyperlordosis.
The boney landmarks commonly used to identify APT on the front of the pelvis include the anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) and, on the back of the pelvis, the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS). By comparing the relative height of the ASIS to the PSIS on the right and left sides of the pelvis, the degree of pelvic tilt is determined.
Posterior pelvic tilt (PPT) is the opposite motion and position of the pelvis, where the tailbone tucks under and the front of the pelvis is lifted.
Anatomy:
Shortened muscles include short hip flexors such as psoas major, iliacus, rectus femoris, tensor fascia latae, sartorius, gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and others. When accompanied by lumbar lordosis, short muscles also include the lumbar erectors, multifidi, quadratus lumborum, and more.
Lengthened muscles include the hip extensors such as the glute maximus and hamstrings (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosis).
Common Issues:
Low back pain, lumbar compression, disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, hip labral tear, constipation, digestive issues, hip pain, knee pain, tight hip flexors, hip arthritis, shortened stride length, loss of mobility in activities.