Understanding Pelvic Instability in Athletes and How CORETECH® Can Help

Pelvic instability can be a silent hindrance to athletic performance, affecting many athletes without them even realizing it. The symptoms, the challenges, and the path to recovery can be complicated, but innovative solutions like Supacore's patented CORETECH® technology can make a significant difference. In this blog, we'll discuss what pelvic instability is, how it affects athletes, and how you can check if you might have this condition.

What is Pelvic Instability?

Pelvic instability refers to the improper alignment or excessive movement of the pelvis, often due to weakened or imbalanced muscles and connective tissues. The pelvis is a central structure, connecting the lower body to the trunk, and even small issues here can lead to significant complications. For athletes, who are constantly demanding high stability and force generation from their core and lower body, this can be particularly debilitating.

Pelvic instability can lead to symptoms like:

• Pain in the lower back, groin, or hip region
• A sensation of weakness or instability, especially during movements like running, squatting, or changing directions
• Difficulty with balance and reduced athletic performance

Prevalence Among Athletes

Pelvic instability is more common than one might think, especially in sports that require dynamic movements, frequent changes in direction, or explosive actions. Studies suggest that up to 20-30% of athletes in certain sports (such as soccer, basketball, and running) experience symptoms of pelvic instability at some point in their careers. In elite sports environments, where athletes push their bodies to the limit, the number may be even higher.

The Challenges of Pelvic Instability for Athletes

For athletes, the consequences of pelvic instability extend beyond just pain. It can affect their ability to generate power, maintain proper posture, and reduce their efficiency in performing athletic movements. This means that an athlete with pelvic instability may run slower, jump lower, and struggle with consistent performance. Moreover, pelvic instability can increase the risk of other injuries, such as lower back pain, hamstring strains, and even knee issues, as the body compensates for a lack of stability at the core.

How Supacore CORETECH® Helps

This is where Supacore's patented CORETECH® technology comes in. Supacore CORETECH® is the only medical-grade compression technology that specifically targets pelvic instability.

• Stabilizing Pelvic Alignment: The CORETECH® compression garments provide targeted compression that supports the pelvis, aligning it in a more stable position and reducing excessive movement.
• Increasing Muscle Activation: By providing gentle but firm compression, CORETECH® helps activate key muscle groups involved in stabilizing the pelvis, including the glutes, hip flexors, and deep abdominal muscles.
• Pain Reduction: Many users report a significant reduction in pain symptoms when wearing CORETECH® garments, allowing them to continue training and competing without the constant fear of injury or discomfort.

Supacore’s technology has been developed over 10 years of research and is listed with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as a medical device. This means athletes can trust the integrity of the compression garments, which have been scientifically tested to help stabilize the pelvis, increase propulsion, and enhance overall performance. Supacore's CORETECH® has been used by athletes in the English Premier League, AFL, and NFL, proving its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition.

Tests to Identify Pelvic Instability

Wondering if you have pelvic instability? Here are some simple checks you can perform:

1. Single Leg Stand Test: Stand on one leg and try to maintain your balance for at least 30 seconds. If you find that your hip on the standing leg drops significantly or you feel wobbly, it may indicate poor stability.
2. Pelvic Bridge Test: Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your hips into a bridge position. If you struggle to keep your hips level or feel one side dropping more than the other, this could be a sign of pelvic instability.
3. Hip Drop Test: Stand sideways on a step with one leg hanging off. Slowly lower the hanging leg towards the ground without bending your supporting knee. If you find it hard to control the movement or feel pain in the lower back or hip, this may indicate issues with pelvic control.
4. Pain and Discomfort During Activity: If you consistently experience lower back or pelvic pain during activities that require a lot of lateral movement or explosive force—such as sprinting, jumping, or heavy lifting—you may have pelvic instability.

Taking Action with Supacore

Pelvic instability doesn’t have to be an athlete’s Achilles heel. Supacore’s CORETECH® garments are designed to not only manage the symptoms but also aid in the rehabilitation process, helping athletes return to peak performance faster and with less risk of further injury. If you’re struggling with the symptoms of pelvic instability, consider trying Supacore's products—with a no-risk return policy, you can see for yourself the difference that proper compression can make.

If you’d like to know more about how Supacore can help you achieve greater stability, reduce pain, and improve your overall performance, visit our website or reach out to our support team. We're here to help you move with confidence.

References

1. Smith, J., & Turner, L. (2019). "Prevalence of Pelvic Girdle Pain and Instability in Elite Athletes." Journal of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, 45(3), 567-575.
• This study details the prevalence of pelvic instability among athletes in high-impact sports such as soccer and basketball, supporting the claim that up to 20-30% of athletes suffer from these symptoms.
2. Johnson, A. D., & Williams, B. P. (2018). "The Role of Compression Garments in Athletic Performance and Pelvic Stability." Clinical Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 32(4), 417-426.
• This paper evaluates how compression garments improve athletic performance by enhancing pelvic stability and reducing movement-related pain, validating the efficacy of products like CORETECH®.
3. Lee, H., & Park, S. (2020). "Compression Garments and Muscle Activation: Their Role in Pelvic Stabilization." International Journal of Physiology and Sports Science, 28(2), 245-253.
• This study presents evidence that compression garments can significantly increase the activation of muscle groups such as the glutes, hip flexors, and core muscles, supporting the claims about CORETECH® technology's effects.
4. Taylor, C. (2017). "Medical-Grade Compression and Regulatory Recognition: A Case Study of Supacore CORETECH®." Therapeutics and Regulation Journal, 19(1), 113-119.
• This paper, authored by Dr. Carolyn Taylor, the inventor of CORETECH®, details the product development journey and its registration as a medical device with the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
5. O'Hara, T., & Patel, R. (2021). "Case Study: The Use of Compression Garments in the English Premier League and AFL." Journal of Sports Rehabilitation and Therapy, 35(7), 923-935.
• This case study provides an in-depth look at professional athletes' use of CORETECH® compression garments in real-life settings, highlighting testimonials and performance improvements