The Hip Hinge
Learning to hinge your trunk from your hips is crucial for avoiding repetitive strain to your lower back or neck.
The figure here shows with a stick on your back how it is possible to keep the spine upright by hinging from the hips as
you bend your knees. In contrast, if you bend at the waist the spine flexes forward putting the low back and neck in
potentially harmful positions. This hip hinge will be used during a variety of ADL’s to protect the spine (Figs. 1A and B).
Figure 1 The hip hinge: (A)incorrect stooping and (B)correct squatting.
