PILATES MOTION ATLAS

Supine Sural Nerve Glide | Self-stretch in 3D

Supine Sural Nerve Glide: lying on the back, sural nerve pathway (calf and outer ankle). Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

Pilates Motion Atlas editorial teamUpdated September 30, 2026

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A schematic 3D view of Supine Sural Nerve Glide — One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Lying on the back · Sural nerve pathway (calf and outer ankle)

Small, pain-free movements to glide the sural nerve pathway (calf and outer ankle).

Starting position

Lie on your back, draw the right knee towards the chest and hold the back of the thigh with both hands. Bring the leg slightly inwards.

Movement phases

1. Set up

Stretch the left leg along the floor and let the back rest on the floor.

2. Small movements

Straighten the knee as you point the toes and turn the sole inwards. Return and repeat.

3. Slightly larger range

Straighten the knee a little further, without the pulling feeling getting stronger.

4. Smaller and stop

Make the movement smaller and stop with the knee bent.

What to check yourself

Check that the pelvis does not lift and that there is no numbness in the calf or outer ankle.

Caution

Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety. If you are receiving treatment, recovering from surgery or pregnant, check with your healthcare professional first. Think of a nerve glide as sliding rather than stretching, and keep the movements small. Stop if you feel numbness, tingling or pain, or if a sensation stays after moving. If you are receiving treatment for numbness or pain, check with your healthcare professional first.

These English notes describe a prototype model. Stretch and foam roller lessons have not yet been reviewed by the supervising instructors. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.