13 Lower Extremity
Hip Flexion
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported or lying on back
- Instructions: Gently lift your leg and slowly bend the knee bringing it up toward your chest. Stop when you feel a light stretch in your hip or thigh. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Hip Abduction
Position Option #1:
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Gently lift your leg with your knee bent and move it away from the midline of the body until you feel a gentle stretch. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Position Option #2:
- Client position: Lying on back
- Instructions: Gently lift your leg and move it away from the midline of the body until you feel a gentle stretch. Repeat on the opposite side.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Hamstring Stretch
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Slowly extend one leg straight out in front of you, keeping the heel of your foot on the floor and toes pointing upward. Keeping your back straight, lean forward slightly from your hips, reaching for your toes. You should feel a gentle stretch in the back of your extended leg.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Knee Flexion/Extension
Position Option #1:
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Slowly slide one foot back under the chair as far as you can, bending your knee. Stop when you feel a light stretch in your thigh or knee. Then, slowly slide your foot forward, straightening your leg until your knee is fully extended, keeping your foot on the ground. Repeat on the opposite leg.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Position Option #2:
- Client position: Lying on back
- Instructions: Start with both legs straight. Slowly slide one foot on the surface toward your buttocks, bending your knee. Stop when you feel a light stretch in your thigh or knee. Then, slowly slide your foot back to the starting position, straightening your leg completely. Repeat on the opposite leg.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Calf Stretch
Position Option #1:
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Slowly pull your toes upward toward your shin. You should feel a gentle stretch. Repeat on the opposite ankle.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds.
Position Option #2:
- Client position: Standing at a wall
- Instructions: Place your hands on the wall for balance, place toes on the surface of the wall and push against wall. Repeat on the opposite ankle.
- Hold for 30-60 seconds
Ankle Circles
- Client position: Seated upright with back supported
- Instructions: Keeping the heel of your foot on the gound, extend your ankles to have a slightly pointed toe. Gently rotate your ankle in either direction for 30 seconds. Alternate directions and perform for an additional 30 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side.