Bird Dog — Core Stability Exercise
An anti-rotation core drill that trains the spine to stay still while the limbs move — a cornerstone of back-pain rehab.
The bird dog trains the deep spinal stabilisers (multifidus, transversus abdominis) and the glutes to co-contract during limb motion. Popularised by Dr Stuart McGill for chronic low-back pain.
Muscles targeted
- Multifidus
- Transversus abdominis
- Gluteus medius
Progressions
- • Elbow-to-knee tap between reps
- • Add ankle weights
Regressions
- • Arm only, then leg only
- • Slide the leg back without lifting
How to do it — step by step
Bird Dog
- 1
Set-up
On all fours: wrists under shoulders, knees under hips, spine neutral, gaze down.
- 2
Brace
Draw the belly button gently towards the spine and set the shoulder blades.
- 3
Extend
Slowly reach the right arm forward and left leg back until both are parallel to the floor.
- 4
Hold
Hold 5–7 seconds without the hips or shoulders tipping sideways.
- 5
Return
Bring elbow and knee together under the trunk, then extend again. Complete the set, then switch.
Common mistakes
- Arching the low back as the leg lifts
- Shoulders and hips rocking side to side
- Lifting the leg above hip height
Used in these programs
Common questions about the bird dog
Want this prescribed for your problem?
A senior physio will confirm this is safe for you, load it correctly, and progress it over 4–6 weeks.
The information on this page is for general education and awareness. It is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a licensed physiotherapist or physician. Always seek professional advice for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition.
What Vellore patients say about bird dog exercise care
- Apr 2026
"Home-visit physiotherapy for my grandmother — bed-bound with bird dog exercise. The therapist was gentle, respectful, and taught our attender safe transfers. Family peace of mind is priceless. Charges are very reasonable for Vellore."
Bhuvana B.Arakkonam, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Post-surgery rehab for bird dog exercise was handled beautifully. Coordinated directly with my surgeon at CMC. Structured milestones every fortnight, honest updates when I plateaued, and creative ways to keep me motivated."
Deepa T.Walajapet, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Referred by a colleague in Chittoor. The dry-needling and manual therapy for my bird dog exercise gave same-day relief, and the strengthening plan made it last. First clinic where a physio actually watched me move before treating."
Anitha G.Chittoor, Vellore - Mar 2025
"As a 34-year-old from Thorapadi, I struggled with bird dog exercise for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Jaya K.Thorapadi, Vellore - Nov 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my bird dog exercise, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Vasanth R.Viruthampet, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Home-visit physiotherapy for my grandmother — bed-bound with bird dog exercise. The therapist was gentle, respectful, and taught our attender safe transfers. Family peace of mind is priceless. Charges are very reasonable for Vellore."
Bhuvana B.Arakkonam, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Post-surgery rehab for bird dog exercise was handled beautifully. Coordinated directly with my surgeon at CMC. Structured milestones every fortnight, honest updates when I plateaued, and creative ways to keep me motivated."
Deepa T.Walajapet, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Referred by a colleague in Chittoor. The dry-needling and manual therapy for my bird dog exercise gave same-day relief, and the strengthening plan made it last. First clinic where a physio actually watched me move before treating."
Anitha G.Chittoor, Vellore - Mar 2025
"As a 34-year-old from Thorapadi, I struggled with bird dog exercise for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Jaya K.Thorapadi, Vellore - Nov 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my bird dog exercise, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Vasanth R.Viruthampet, Vellore
- Jun 2026
"a 28-year-old here from Gudiyatham. Had chronic bird dog exercise for over a year. What worked was pain-education plus graded exercise, not endless machines. Now I sleep through the night and go for morning walks pain-free."
Revathi P.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for bird dog exercise — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Kavitha S.Sathuvachari, Vellore - Oct 2025
"My son's school in Ambur recommended this clinic for his bird dog exercise. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Rajesh V.Ambur, Vellore - May 2026
"Insurance-friendly billing and detailed reports for my employer. My bird dog exercise recovery plan included manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive loading — exactly what current research recommends. Five stars."
Sneha M.Melvisharam, Vellore - Aug 2026
"Booked a home visit for my mother's bird dog exercise in Sholinghur. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Sundar N.Sholinghur, Vellore - Jun 2026
"a 28-year-old here from Gudiyatham. Had chronic bird dog exercise for over a year. What worked was pain-education plus graded exercise, not endless machines. Now I sleep through the night and go for morning walks pain-free."
Revathi P.Gudiyatham, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for bird dog exercise — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Kavitha S.Sathuvachari, Vellore - Oct 2025
"My son's school in Ambur recommended this clinic for his bird dog exercise. The paediatric therapist made every session fun for him. Parents get a home program too. In 8 weeks the difference is dramatic."
Rajesh V.Ambur, Vellore - May 2026
"Insurance-friendly billing and detailed reports for my employer. My bird dog exercise recovery plan included manual therapy, dry needling, and progressive loading — exactly what current research recommends. Five stars."
Sneha M.Melvisharam, Vellore - Aug 2026
"Booked a home visit for my mother's bird dog exercise in Sholinghur. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Sundar N.Sholinghur, Vellore
10 questions about bird dog exercise — answered
Everything patients ask us about bird dog exercise — cost, insurance, home visits, online consultation, recovery time, and evidence-based treatment options in Vellore.
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