Skip to content
Video: Rehab My Patient, on YouTube

back focus

Standing Pelvic Tilt

The pelvic tilt done standing against a wall, so it suits later pregnancy and anyone who finds it hard to get down to the floor.

Key cue: Breathe out as you flatten your lower back into the wall; small and slow.

Area
back
Level
beginner
Volume
10 reps
Goal
pain relief

How to do it

  1. 1Stand with your back against a wall, feet a small step forward, knees soft.
  2. 2Breathe out and gently flatten your lower back towards the wall by tucking your tailbone under.
  3. 3Breathe in and let your back return to its natural curve.
  4. 4Move slowly, ten times.

Easier and harder versions

Easier
Make a smaller tilt, and hold it for 2 to 3 seconds.
Harder
Hold each tilt for 5 seconds while you keep breathing normally, then try the same tilt standing a step away from the wall.

Helps with

Commonly used for:

Pregnancy-related back painStiff lower backAchy back after standing

Part of these condition plans

Where it fits in the step-by-step plans on our condition pages.

Benefits

  • Eases lower-back and pelvic ache
  • Keeps the lower back moving without lying down
  • Suits every stage of pregnancy

Muscles worked

Front
Back

Activation. Wakes up your deep abdominals, lower back and glutes.

Deep abdominalsLower backGlutes

Form tips

  • Keep your shoulders and head resting against the wall.
  • It is a small movement; there is no need to force it.

Common mistakes

  • Pushing with your legs instead of tilting the pelvis.
  • Holding your breath.

When to avoid or modify

  • Dizziness: sit down and rest
  • Sharp pain in the pelvis or groin

If in doubt, check with a qualified physiotherapist before continuing.

More for the back