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4 such as our "Push Broom" sequence (Massage & Bodywork, March/April 2012, "Working with Hip Mobility," page 114). This preparatory assessment has its roots in the approach of bodywork pioneer Milton Trager, MD, and is useful before performing any hip or pelvic work. Anterior Torsion Technique Once you've assessed and addressed the hip's resting tone, you can release any restrictions to anterior innominate torsion (also referred to as anterior rotation). With your client prone, lift one knee to extend the hip (Image 4). If your client is larger than you are, you can achieve the same effect by placing the leg on a firm bolster, such as a stack of towels. In passive hip extension, the pull of the quadriceps rolls the innominate into anterior torsion. Use your other hand on the center of the sacrum to stabilize it inferiorly and prevent the low back from overextending into an uncomfortable lordosis. Place this second hand on the center of the sacrum and apply firm footward (caudal) pressure (curved arrow, Image 6). This motion of the sacrum (counternutation), together with passive hip extension, focuses the movement into the same-side SI joint. Wait here for the pelvic ligaments to adapt and release; typically, you'll take 5–8 slow breaths before you feel the subtle drift and yielding that signals release. Mobilize both innominates in this way. Or, before doing this technique, you can compare left/right mobility using the innominate mobility assessment (see Assess Your Own Ilia Mobility, page 115) and focus on the more-restricted side. 5 6 The Anterior Torsion Technique. Use passive hip extension to roll the innominate anteriorly. Use your other hand to stabilize and counterstretch the sacrum inferiorly or footward (curved arrow, Image 6). This focuses the motion at the SI joint (white, Image 6) and helps free restrictions to anterior innominate torsion. (Hip extension can be accomplished with a bolster as in Image 4, or by lifting slightly as in Image 5.) Images 4 and 5 courtesy Advanced-Trainings.com. Image 6 courtesy Primal Pictures. All used by permission. 116 massage & bodywork january/february 2013 Posterior Torsion Technique After releasing restrictions to anterior innominate torsion with the prior technique, integrate and balance your work by making sure the innominates move freely in the complementary direction, into posterior torsion.