In physiotherapy, stabilisation refers to the ability to perform and maintain a position or movement in a controlled manner. It particularly concerns the stabilisation of joints and the spine through the interplay of muscles, ligaments and tendons.
An important aspect is segmental stabilisation, which aims to specifically train the deep trunk muscles, above all the multifidus muscles and the transversus abdominis. Activating these local stabilisers is intended to improve the stability of individual spinal segments.
Stabilisation exercises are frequently used for patients with back pain. The goal is to ease complaints and prevent recurrence by restoring physiological muscle control. However, the evidence for the effectiveness of segmental stabilisation in non-specific back pain is not yet conclusive.
Stabilisation also plays an important role in sports physiotherapy, both in injury prevention and in rehabilitation. Targeted strengthening and coordination exercises are intended to stabilise the joints and thus protect them from overload and injury.
Overall, improving muscular stabilisation is a central goal of many physiotherapy interventions in order to optimise the function of the musculoskeletal system and prevent or treat complaints.