07/28/2026
The multifidus is one of the deepest muscles of the core, connecting each vertebra to help stabilize and protect your spine during movement.
After an episode of low back pain or injury, the multifidus often “switches off” and doesn’t always reactivate automatically—even after the pain has improved. That’s why feeling better doesn’t necessarily mean your spine has regained its full stability.
Exercises like the Prone Ballerina from the Institute of Physical Art (IPA) are designed to gently reactivate the multifidus while coordinating it with the diaphragm, deep abdominals, and pelvic floor. These muscles respond best to low-level, sustained contractions, making gentle, longer holds more effective than high-intensity effort.
Restoring this deep stabilization system helps build a stronger foundation for movement, improves spinal support, and may reduce the risk of future episodes of back pain.
💬 If your back pain keeps returning or you never quite feel “stable” after an injury, DM us or contact our clinic to schedule your FREE 15-minute discovery call and learn how we can help restore the foundation of your movement.