The Squat Fix: Hip Mobility Pt 2

Welcome back to Squat University! Last week we introduced the hip as a naturally stable joint that could benefit from more mobility. When we squat, mobile hips allow us to reach to full depth. Having full hip motion allows us to produce a tremendous amount of power.

With adequate mobility at the hips, our knees and lower back remain stable. The main idea behind the “Joint-By-Joint” concept is that our bodies consist of ever-connecting parts. A weak link in our chain of movement will cause a breakdown in the entire system. Stiff hips limit our ability to squat with good technique.

A test was introduced last week as a tool to uncover missing hip movement. What I want to do today is discuss the results of the Thomas test. If you didn’t test your hip mobility yet, take a minute and check out last weeks lecture.

After performing the test, what did you notice? Did you pass? Don’t worry if you failed! It is important to understand the different reasons for developing stiffness at the hips so that we can appropriately treat the problem. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to fixing stiff hips.

Stiff hips are primarily caused by two different factors

  • Joint Restriction
  • Soft Tissue Restrictions

Joint Restriction

Joint restriction is simply defined as a loss of space between the bones that connect at the hip. Essentially they stop moving appropriately over one another. This tightness creates a roadblock in the joint. This bony blockade halts the forward movement of the femur (thigh bone) in the hip joint when we try to bring our knee to our chest (like in the Thomas test). This movement restriction is called FAI or femoroacetabular impingement (1). This mobility problem is usually the result of repetitive strain, such as the wear and tear effects of pushing through pinching pain in the bottom of a squat. It can also be caused by long-term adaptation to a sedentary lifestyle.

If you had difficulty pulling your knee up to your chest and felt a “pinch” in the hip, there is a possibility that you have FAI. We previously discussed the analogy about the roundabout in a restricted ankle joint. With FAI, the femur will actually hit a “blockade” causing that pinching sensation in the front of the hip.

Our bodies however are a little smarter than we think and will naturally compensate our movement pattern in order to get the job done. As a result of the hip restriction, the low back is forced to move! This low back movement decreases our stability during squats, preventing optimal power and strength gains.

JointRestrictionHip.png

We can go about resolving this problem through two methods. First we can use joint mobilization exercises to increase space in the hip joint. Second we will ensure our posterior chain (glute and hamstring muscles) is working efficiently. An inability to properly activate the glutes during movements like the squat is commonly seen. We will discuss how to mobilize the hip joint and how to fire the posterior chain in net week’s lecture.

Soft Tissue Restriction

Soft tissue restrictions at the hip joint include muscles (iliopsoas and quadriceps), the IT band and fascia. These structures can become stiff and inflexible over time. For example, a sedentary lifestyle such as sitting for long periods will often lead to stiffness and tightness. Excessive inactivity can cause fascia to loose its elasticity thereby making it difficult for surrounding tissues to glide easily over one another. Plain and simple, excessive sitting decreases our natural hip flexibility and degrades normal movement patterns (such as the squat).

This type of limitation will usually be felt as tightness in the front or lateral part of the free hip during the Thomas test (refer to bottom of page). Some common findings during the Thomas test are: the free leg remains off the bed, falls out to the side, or your knee is unable to relax into a bent position. If this is the case for you, we will go about addressing these types of restrictions with two different tools – stretching and foam rolling.

Hip mobility is a very important aspect in achieving a full depth squat. Stiff hips decrease our ability to properly activate the appropriate muscles in our hips. Essentially, we bleed out a good amount of power during heavy squats. Understanding the cause of our restricted hip mobility is the first step in establishing effective ways to fix the problem. Join us next week as we address different methods for improving our stiff hips!

Until next time,

Dr. Aaron Horschig

With

Dr. Kevin Sonthana

ThomasTest

References

1) Leunig M, Beaule PE & Ganz R. The concept of femoroacetabular impingement: current status and future perspectives. Cin Orthop Relat Res. 2009 Mar; 467(3): 616-622

Published by

47 thoughts on “The Squat Fix: Hip Mobility Pt 2

  1. The possibility of Winston is great and every one of the things accessible under at the one spot. Each individuals need that everything is accessible in the one spot with the goal that they can buy the things effectively and students can visit at https://topcvwritersuk.com/cvfolks-review/ site to manage the task. I love this thought and I figure it will be fruitful.

  2. One thing I would like to suggest and that is if you go for push ups also along with the squats you will see more better results as it is my personal experience and I will suggest you to must try this at least for one month.

  3. Thanks for sharing this best stuff with us! Keep sharing! I am new in the blog writing. All types blogs and posts are not helpful for the readers. Here the author is giving good thoughts and suggestions to each and every reader through this article.https://www.assignmentuk.co.uk/write-my-assignment literature-essay Quality of the content is the main element of the blog and this is the way of writing and presenting.

  4. I believe this will help your website become more organized because you have decided to set a part on this site for the inquiries regarding tax and as well as the helpful discussions. To be honest, this is one of the few sites that are doing this kind of strategy. https://americasuits.com/love-guaranteed-susan-whitaker-wool-coat Also, I think that this will not only benefit your clients or the potential ones but you most especially because you will be able to see the questions easier.

  5. Scade Concepts Furniture Manufacturers offers Indonesia furniture, exporter of indoor furniture and outdoor furniture for project, decorative lighting, home decor, and craft with retail & wholesale prices. Because Our high-quality furniture products for homes, restaurant, resorts, villas, apartments, hospitality, private house, and hotel projects furniture manufacturers Indonesia. We are Teak Outdoor Furniture Manufacturers and Teak Indoor Furniture Manufacturers.

  6. Renowned in the industry, Malwa Overseas is a highly esteemed company, revered for its exceptional products and services. Committed to client satisfaction, we prioritize delivering top-tier manufacturing solutions with unwavering excellence.

  7. IFHRMS Full Form stands for Integrated Financial and Human Resource Management System. It’s a comprehensive platform used by Tamil Nadu government employees for managing various HR and financial services. The system integrates functions like payroll, pensions, and leave management, ensuring efficiency and transparency in administrative processes. IFHRMS Full Form enhances accessibility to essential employee information and services, promoting effective governance and streamlined operations statewide.

  8. According to a survey of international students using ghostwriting services from https://www.lunwenhelp.com/assignment-daixie/ , over 70% of students reported that ghostwriting assignments helped them achieve higher academic grades. This result clearly demonstrates the positive impact of academic ghostwriting on academic achievement.

  9. Biolife coupon codes for 2024 provide exclusive discounts or incentives for donating plasma at Biolife Plasma Centers throughout the year. These codes may include bonuses for new donors, referral rewards, or special promotions tailored to specific dates or events, encouraging participation and supporting the production of life-saving medications.

  10. Thanks to the information you provide, we are motivated for a more active life, the information you provide in your articles informs us a lot, if you want to have a good time, try wordleunlimited .

  11. Improving hip mobility is essential for better squat form and reducing the risk of injury — these exercises are really helpful for building long-term strength. If you’re also interested in exploring more digital tools and resources, getmodsapk provides a variety of useful apps to check out.

  12. Totally agree, stiff hips ruin everything for squats! This ‘Squat Fix’ series is a lifesaver. Getting that full depth feels like winning a tricky game, especially with these Chiikawa Puzzle tips. So much better than just bleeding out power!

  13. Improving hip mobility is key for a deeper, safer squat. This guide shows how targeted stretches and movements can correct imbalances and improve performance in the gym. Tracking your progress and timing your rest periods between sets can also make training more effective. If you ever need to figure out exact differences between workout or recovery sessions, you can use this handy subtract time calculator to plan your routines more precisely.

  14. Manav Sampada is an e-HRMS (Electronic Human Resource Management System) developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), India. It is a digital platform designed to manage government employees’ records and services in an efficient and transparent way.

    Through this portal, state governments can maintain employees’ service books, manage leave applications, transfers, promotions, postings, and retirement details online. It helps reduce ~paperwork, improves accuracy, and ensures quick decision-making in administration.

  15. “Really helpful post — the mobility drills and cues for opening hips make so much sense, especially as a way to prevent knee or low back strain. I also saw a related article over at vizacas.com about incorporating mobility routines into daily life, and combining both inspires me to be more consistent with my movement practice. Thanks for sharing this!”

  16. Thank you for sharing such valuable content! I’m new to blog writing, and I’ve noticed that not all blogs provide real value to readers. This article, however, offers thoughtful advice and practical suggestions for everyone, which is truly helpful.video enhance ai online

  17. MP Bhulekh is an official online land record portal launched by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to provide citizens with quick and transparent access to land and property details. Through this digital platform, users can easily check Khasra, Khatauni, B1, and land map information without visiting government offices. The initiative promotes transparency, reduces the chances of fraud, and makes land record management more efficient and citizen-friendly across the state.

  18. Checking your SASSA status is an essential step to ensure your grant application or payment is processed smoothly. With the SASSA SRD R370 grant being a lifeline for many South Africans, it’s important to know how to verify your approval, payment dates, and banking details online. The SASSA status check process is simple, fast, and available through the official website and other reliable methods. By staying updated, beneficiaries can avoid delays and confusion regarding their grants. This guide will help you understand step-by-step how to check your SASSA status and keep track of your payments hassle-free.
    SASSA status check

  19. This is an excellent breakdown of hip mobility and its impact on squats! I really appreciate how you explained the connection between stiff hips, joint restrictions like FAI, and compensatory movements in the lower back. The Thomas test example makes it easy to understand where limitations might come from and why addressing them is so important for stability and power. I also like the emphasis on individualized approaches—there’s clearly no one-size-fits-all solution. Great insights for anyone looking to improve their squat technique safely and effectively![Spr Login](https://samagraidgyaan.com/spr-login/)

  20. Seva Sindhu portal launched in 2017 by the Government of Karnataka, is a digital platform that provides easy access to over 880 government services. It aims to simplify administrative processes, reduce the need for physical office visits, and offer a user-friendly interface for various services like applying for certificates and enrolling in welfare schemes.

  21. Delima 2.0 is an advanced, upgraded platform designed to provide faster performance, improved stability, and a more user-friendly
    experience. With enhanced features, smarter tools, and optimized workflows, Delima 2.0 helps users manage tasks more efficiently
    while maintaining high accuracy and security. Whether you are handling complex operations or daily activities, Delima 2.0 ensures
    smooth navigation, better productivity, and a seamless overall experience.

  22. SASSA Status Check helps beneficiaries in South Africa track the progress of their social grant applications quickly and easily. Whether you have applied for the SRD R350 grant, old age pension, disability grant, or child support grant, checking your SASSA status allows you to confirm approval, payment dates, and pending issues. With multiple online and offline methods available, SASSA ensures transparency and convenience for all applicants.

  23. Yacine TV iOS delivers smooth streaming even in 4K on strong connections. The clarity is mind-blowing for a free service.
    Yacine TV’s channel sorting by league or country is super convenient. I find exactly what I’m looking for in seconds.

  24. Yacine tv ios frequently adds trending live events and PPV channels for free. Staying updated with the latest content is effortless. This keeps the app fresh and exciting every week.

Leave a Reply to shawnkempCancel reply