devchengkalath.com The Marching Bridge Core Stability Physical Therapy Exercise Described By Toronto Physical Therapist Dev Chengkalath An important component in low back pain rehabilitation is to stabilize the spine and pelvis while mobilizing the hips. The marching bridge is an excellent exercise that accomplishes both the above goals while being a bit tougher than the basic bridge. Start by lying on your back, both knees bent and your hands by your sides. From this position, brace your abdominal muscles (core) without pushing your belly out or sucking it in. Basically, keep your stomach tight. Contract your buttocks as you lift your hips off the ground and drive them towards the ceiling. Don’t let your pelvis shift side to side. Focus on keeping your torso in the same position throughout the movement while moving exclusively through your hips. Don’t sag or move through your back at all. While squeezing through your glutes, try to keep your hamstrings or back of your thighs as relaxed as possible. Remember to breath normally. At the top position, lift one leg up, keeping the knee bent and then return it back to the ground. Alternate between left and right legs while keeping the hips up, core tight and torso rigid. Once you’ve completed your desired number of reps, return to the starting position. Key points: -only work in your pain free range -keep your abdominals tight for the whole exercise -all bridging movements should take place at the hips -squeeze your glutes as …