Week 7: The Hamstring Stretch
By Trent Brooke, DPT
AZOPT Goodyear Physical Therapist
Type of stretch: Static
Seated Hamstrings Stretch
Begin sitting towards the edge of a chair. With one leg bent, straighten the other leg with your toe pointed at the ceiling. Keep your back straight and lean forward at the hips until a mild to moderate stretch is felt in the outstretched leg. Repeat with the other leg.
Strap Hamstrings Stretch
Begin lying flat on your back. Using a towel, dog leash, or belt, loops around one foot and hold both ends of the strap. Slowly pull that leg towards the ceiling, using the leverage of the strap while keeping your other leg straight and flat. Bring up your leg until a mild to moderate stretch is felt. Repeat with the other leg.
Why stretch the hamstrings?
Stretching the hamstrings is great for increased blood circulation and can contribute to relief of low back pain. It can improve your ability to bend forward, jog, hike, and perform all other sorts of physical activity. Regular stretching can also prevent hamstrings related injuries as well as prevent occurrences of future back pain.
