Beckenstellung

Beckenstellung, literally "pelvis position" in German, refers to the orientation of the pelvis relative to the spine and hips. It describes how the pelvis sits in three planes: sagittal (tilt), frontal (lateral tilt), and transverse (rotation). In everyday use and clinical contexts, the most commonly discussed aspect is the sagittal tilt, which can be anterior (forward) or posterior (backward) relative to a neutral position.

A neutral Beckenstellung is often described as a alignment where the pelvis rests in a balanced, slight anterior tilt that allows a natural lumbar curve without excessive lordosis or flattening. An anterior Beckenstellung increases lumbar lordosis and can shift stress to the lower back and hip joints, while a posterior Beckenstellung reduces the lumbar curve and may relieve back strain but can also alter hip mechanics and pelvic stability. Lateral tilts and pelvic rotations can occur due to muscle imbalances, leg length differences, scoliosis, or gait patterns.

Clinical relevance and applications include the assessment of posture, back pain, and hip or sacroiliac joint problems. Beckenstellung affects spinal load distribution, abdominal and hip muscle function, and overall alignment during standing, sitting, and movement. In physical therapy and sports science, goals often include achieving or maintaining a functional Beckenstellung through targeted exercises that promote core stability, balanced hip flexor and extensor strength, and neuromuscular control. Common interventions involve pelvic tilts, bridges, planks, and hip stabilization routines, tailored to the individual’s posture and activity demands.