Oregon Exercise Therapy
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE POSTURE EVALUATION!
  • Free Posture Evaluation
  • How It Works
    • Therapy Options >
      • Zoom/Skype/FaceTime Exercise Therapy
    • FAQ
    • OET News Archive
  • Advanced Training for Therapists
    • Education Workshops
  • Testimonials
  • About Matt
    • Contact Me
    • Recommended Products >
      • Therapy Equipment
      • Books and DVDs
      • Shoes
      • Apparel
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Cool Stuff
  • Blog

Static Back

9/12/2014

30 Comments

 
Static Back is an Egoscue menu standby and many clients favorite Egoscue posture exercise. It uses the force of gravity to settle your hips, back, and shoulders to the floor and put them in a neutral position. Having spent the last 13 years as a personal trainer, Egoscue therapist, Postural Alignment Specialist, and Advanced Exercise Therapist, I've shown the Egoscue Static Back e-cise to thousands of people and have seen the benefits of just a couple minutes daily. 
Picture
Egoscue Static Back exercise
To do the Static Back, all you need is some floor space and an Egoscue block, chair, ottoman, or bench that is about 18-20 inches high. The height will depend on how long your femurs are. The goal is to have your legs supported at a 90 degree angle. Lie down on the floor and get your hips as close as possible to the block. Rest your arms at a 45 degree angle out to your sides with your palms up. Let your legs relax and breathe deeply letting your stomach rise and fall with each breath. 

Now notice what you are feeling:
  • Do you feel any pain or tightness?
  • Is your lower back flat to the floor or arched up?
  • Does one hip or shoulder feel heavier or flatter to the floor than the other?
  • Is your body completely relaxed or do you feel uncomfortable or fidgety? 

Try to relax your body and mind and breath for 5-10 minutes. Then notice how you are feeling in each of the above questions again. What's changed? Why?

Static Back is a great e-cise that can have a positive impact on our posture improving imbalances such as: forward head posture, thoracic flexion or kyphosis, rounded shoulders, torso or hip rotation, hip disparities, and anterior pelvic tilt and lumbar lordosis. These imbalances can be responsible for migraine headaches, stiff necks, frozen shoulders, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, back pain, and many other types of pain. 

If you find Static Back helpful continue to do it on a daily basis and you might also want to look into the Supine Groin Stretch or Egoscue Tower as additional beneficial posture exercises. If Static Back is uncomfortable, painful, or you have any questions about it, contact me and I'd be happy to help you out. 
30 Comments
missy
4/19/2015 02:31:22 pm

Is it typical for a person to find this pose quite painful? I have been doing it daily for almost 2 months, from 5-45mins per day, and it is still very painful. I still have an arch in my back and find it difficult to hold still in this position - i have to constantly shift my hips around to alleviate the pain.

Reply
Matt Whitehead link
4/20/2015 01:15:38 am

Hi Missy,

No, Static Back should not hurt, it should feel good. If you have been doing Static Back daily for 2 months and your back is not flattening something is not working right. And I would not recommend doing anything that hurts. Are you only doing this exercise or a whole menu of other e-cises also?

I would be more than happy to do a free postural evaluation and consultation with you where we can figure out what is going on in your body, why Static Back isn't feeling good, and what you can do to get relief. Evaluations can be done in person if you leave close to Portland, OR or via Skype or even through email. Call me at the clinic and we can set something up to help you: 971-279-2189

-Matt

Reply
Howard Simon
9/29/2019 09:38:34 pm

Hello Matt, I've noticed that doing static back with my knees and hips at a 90 degree angle is putting to much pressure in the L-5 area?? And yes, my lower back is flattening out very nicely, but it seems like that 90 degree angle is creating just a little tiny bit of flexion and the disc or lower lumbar area feels pain?? Don't know if I have a herniated disc, but when I do the static back with my legs at a 45 degree angle,. I feel much better, meaning my hips are further back from where my knees are? Of course, that means I'm doing the static back incorrectly! Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks Matt!

Reply
Matt Whitehead link
5/11/2022 09:30:43 pm

Hi Howard, Thanks for the question. It's hard to say exactly what is causing your pain without seeing your posture. Feel free to contact me for a free posture evaluation on Zoom and we can figure it out. In the mean time, do Static Back at 45 degrees so it doesn't cause pain.

Reply
Exercise Gadget link
2/2/2023 02:26:45 am

I am reading a blog on this website for the first time, and I would like to tell you that the quality of the content is up to the mark. It is very well written, also helpful information.

Reply
Johanne
7/25/2023 11:53:46 pm

Are u able to do consultations via email only. Static back feels good but when doing the supine groin one even when the bottom leg is about a foot off the ground (left leg only) is really tight. Right leg is fine. Hardly any left hip internal or external rotation.

Reply
Matt Whitehead link
7/31/2023 05:31:54 pm

Hi Johanne, yes I can do consultations via zoom, phone, or email only. Feel free to email me and I'd be happy to answer any questions and do a posture evaluation for you.

Yes it sounds like your left hip is very tight. I would be happy to look at what's going on and why.

Reply
investing in a gold IRA link
1/3/2025 05:52:35 am

Investing in a Gold IRA involves using a self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to invest in physical gold, such as gold bars, coins, or bullion. Unlike traditional IRAs, which hold stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, a Gold IRA allows you to diversify your retirement portfolio by adding precious metals.

Reply
detox centers nashville tn link
5/13/2025 05:52:06 am

Find top-rated detox centers in Nashville, TN offering comprehensive addiction treatment. Our facilities provide 24/7 care, a safe environment, and customized detox plans to set the foundation for lasting recovery.

Reply
mental health treatment program link
8/1/2025 02:25:54 am

Our mental health treatment programs provide structured support for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. Programs include individual therapy, group sessions, and holistic care.

Reply
abilify ruined my life link
8/8/2025 11:37:20 pm

Personal experiences and discussions highlighting negative side effects or challenges faced by individuals after taking Abilify.

Reply
nashville mental health link
8/28/2025 11:46:44 pm

Many centers in Nashville offer dual-diagnosis treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Reply
Detox Atlanta link
8/30/2025 06:12:57 am

Comprehensive detox programs in Atlanta helping individuals start recovery.

Reply
san luis obispo rehabilitation center link
9/3/2025 03:52:24 am

San Luis Obispo has a range of addiction treatment centers, from county-run programs to private facilities. They offer different levels of care, including inpatient residential programs and intensive outpatient services, with centers like Aspire Counseling Services providing individualized care.

Reply
Mental Health Facilities in Atlanta link
10/1/2025 05:48:32 am

Mental health facilities in Atlanta provide professional support and treatment programs designed to address a variety of mental health conditions in a safe and structured setting.

Reply
Drug Detox Atlanta link
10/3/2025 10:40:42 pm

If anyone is considering drug detox in Atlanta, look for programs that offer 24/7 medical support. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense, and having trained staff nearby is crucial.

Reply
sober living san luis obispo link
10/13/2025 12:50:54 am

Sober living homes in San Luis Obispo provide a supportive, drug-free environment for individuals transitioning from rehab to independent life. Residents build accountability, structure, and healthy habits while surrounded by peers committed to recovery.

Reply
Anxiety Rehab link
10/14/2025 01:01:33 am

Anxiety rehab programs help people manage chronic anxiety, panic, or fear through counseling, relaxation techniques, and medication management. They teach coping skills to reduce stress and restore peace of mind.

Reply
Mental Health link
10/14/2025 11:45:47 pm

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in daily life. Professional support, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices can help individuals manage stress, improve relationships, and maintain overall mental balance.

Reply
Behavioral Addictions link
10/15/2025 12:14:04 am

Behavioral addictions refer to compulsive engagement in non-substance-related activities such as gambling, gaming, shopping, or internet use. These behaviors can become uncontrollable and interfere with daily life. Treatment focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

Reply
Anxiety Rehab link
10/15/2025 06:35:26 am

Anxiety rehab programs treat people suffering from chronic stress, panic attacks, or severe anxiety disorders that interfere with daily life.

Reply
How Long Does Sublocade Stay In Your System? link
10/21/2025 02:24:13 am

Sublocade can stay in your system for several weeks to months due to its long-lasting release, depending on dosage and metabolism.

Reply
nashville mental health link
10/22/2025 02:29:07 am

Nashville mental health services offer comprehensive support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and other conditions through therapy, counseling, and medical care.

Reply
depression treatment nashville tn link
10/23/2025 12:13:19 am

Depression treatment centers in Nashville, TN offer personalized therapy, medication management, and support to help individuals overcome depressive symptoms.

Reply
inpatient behavioral health programs link
10/23/2025 12:27:06 am

Inpatient behavioral health programs provide 24/7 supervised care, therapy, and support for individuals facing severe mental or emotional difficulties.

Reply
detox centers nashville tn link
10/28/2025 01:10:20 am

Detox Centers in Nashville, TN, offer comprehensive detox programs for drug and alcohol addiction. These centers combine medical care, counseling, and ongoing support to promote lasting sobriety.

Reply
Mental Health Facilities in Atlanta link
10/28/2025 04:12:40 am

Mental health facilities in Atlanta offer inpatient and outpatient programs focused on therapy, medication, and crisis stabilization for individuals in need of emotional support.

Reply
adolescent trauma residential treatment link
11/1/2025 05:57:04 am

This type of program supports teens who have experienced trauma such as abuse, loss, or violence. It offers 24/7 care, trauma-focused therapy, and a safe environment to promote emotional healing and resilience.

Reply
Los Angeles Rehab link
11/11/2025 05:01:46 am

Los Angeles Rehab facilities provide personalized recovery programs for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use issues. With expert clinicians and evidence-based treatment, these centers help clients rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.

Reply
Residential Treatment link
11/25/2025 04:05:40 am

A long-term, structured program where patients live in a facility and receive 24/7 therapeutic care for mental health or addiction issues.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    About Matt Whitehead

    I'm an Egoscue certified Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS) and Advanced Exercise Therapist (AET), certified personal trainer, ultra trail runner, mountain biker, dad, music lover, environmentalist, and wanna-be slam dunk champion. I will be providing you with the latest posture exercises to help you live, play, and be pain free.

    Archives

    July 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    January 2023
    August 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    February 2021
    February 2019
    October 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    Categories

    All
    Beliefs
    Bone Density
    Chronic Pain
    Emotions
    Exercise
    Health
    Play
    Posture
    Sports Injury
    Surgery

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

I really just wanted to express my gratitude for what you do and your great help. And, great help it was!! When one is in constant great pain for as long as I was and so desperate for help...words cannot express what I want to say....how can I thank you enough? You helped change my life. 
– Carrie
I feel soooo limber and free in my hip movements and relaxed in my low back. Outstanding and I'm very impressed with the pdf's and the videos, great support to the client. Wonderful job, keep up the great job. – Mike
It is amazing! I've been in pain for 5 years and worked with other therapists and no one has been able to help me. Working with you I am 95% pain free! It feels so good to not have any pain and be able to walk and do things I haven't been able to do for years. Thank you so much! - Joni
Storybrand Website Design by Red Door Designs
Photos from mynameisharsha, Jon Grado