Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Pelvic Stability
Pelvic stability is the ability of the core muscles surrounding the pelvis to support this area in preparation for movement. The muscles involved are the buttock (gluteus), tummy (abdominal), thigh (quads and hamstrings) and the pelvic floor. This develops from an early age as a baby begins to roll and crawl.
Why is pelvic stability important for your child?
Pelvic stability has an impact on stabilising the body for sitting, standing, and walking, enabling balance in weightbearing positions, and allowing coordinated movements of the lower limbs.
What you may see:
A child with pelvic instability may demonstrate difficulties with the following
- Balancing on one foot
- Hopping
- Running, jumping, and skipping
- Negotiating steps and stairs
- Playing sports such as football
- Dancing
General Advice
- Recommended activities include swimming, climbing/soft play, and balance bike/cycling.
- Ensure your child is wearing good quality, supportive footwear when outdoors. We would recommend being barefoot for as much time as possible indoors. There is no evidence to suggest the use of splints or special shoes provide any benefit.
- Encourage your child not to ‘W’ sit and to sit cross legged instead to stretch the hips in the opposite direction. ‘W’ sitting encourages internal rotation at the hips and is often a more comfortable position for children with flexible hips.
The exercises below are some examples of ways to strengthen the necessary muscles
1) Bridge – lie on your back with knees bent and feet on the ground. 
*Note, you can roll a ball / toy car underneath the bridge to encourage your child to lift and hold*
2) Kneeling - position your child in high kneeling (pictured). 
Practice throwing and catching a ball or activities such as drawing/crafts in this position.
3b) Half-Kneel to Stand – encourage your child to stand up from half kneeling position (pictured) with minimal support. Aim to lead with alternate legs.
4) Crocodile Snaps – lie your child on their side with their knees bent.
Keeping their feet together, encourage your child to slowly lift their top leg up and down. Hold for 3-5 seconds.
Repeat this for at least 2 minutes on each side.
5) Kicking a Ball – practice kicking a ball using alternate legs.
Progress long kicks, short kicks, and dribbling.
Practice for at least 2 minutes on each side.
6) Flamingo balance – standing on one leg like a flamingo.
Hold your balance for as long as you can.
Count how many seconds you can balance and aim to beat this score.
7) Squatting games - play games that encourage repetitive standing from a deep squat position (pictured). E.g. picking up a ball off the floor and throwing it in standing.
7) Bear Walking – encourage your child to walk on all fours
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Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Physiotherapy service.
About this information
Service:
Physiotherapy
Reference:
BB/002
Approval date:
1 April 2026
Review date:
1 April 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.