How to Activate Muscle Groups in Physical Therapy

The main concentration in physical therapy is to target the core muscles and use these muscles to help rejuvenate other muscles that are in need of rehabilitation. There are three main muscle groups in the core area that should be activated, and learning to isolate each of these can be a bit difficult, especially if the patient or client has a back injury. You need to work on the core muscles because the rest of the body depends on them for movement.

Instructions

• 1

  Isolate the multifidus group of muscles by lying on your back on the floor, body relaxed, knees bent. Pull up on your pelvic floor and pull your tailbone to your spine. You should feel some of your lower back muscles tighten, but resist the urge to arch your back. This muscle group is crucial for treating lower back injuries.

• 2

  Activate your transverse abdominis by lying on the floor with your knees bent, just as described in Step 1. Place your hands on your hips. Gently pull your belly button to your spine. You will know you are doing this exercise right if your breathing is not affected, and you are still able to have a conversation.

• 3

  Isolate and activate your pelvic floor by lying in the same position described in Steps 1 and 2. Gently pull up on your pelvic floor muscles; it is the same group you contract when you need to go to the bathroom. This muscle group is responsible for holding all of your internal organs in place.