Anterior Ankle Stretch | Assisted stretch in 3D
Anterior Ankle Stretch: supine, ankle plantar flexion and front of the ankle. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Ankle plantar flexion and front of the ankle
An assisted stretch for the ankle plantar flexion and front of the ankle, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client lies supine with the legs straight. The trainer stands at the foot end, supports the heel from underneath and places the other hand on the top of the foot.
Movement phases
1. Support the heel
Take the weight of the leg.
2. Point the toes
Press the top of the foot to point the toes away.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch from the front of the shin to the top of the foot and any pinching at the back of the ankle.
4. Return the ankle
Keep supporting the foot as you return the ankle.
What the trainer checks
Check that the movement is not coming from curling the toes alone.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand at the foot end of the table and move from in line with the client's leg.
Contact and support
Support the heel from underneath and place the palm of the other hand on the top of the foot.
Stabilisation
Keep the knee straight and the leg in line with the table.
Compensation
Curling of the toes alone, twisting of the foot.
Easier option
Reduce the range and let the weight of the leg or arm rest on a cushion or the table. Go back to checking a pain-free starting position.
Cues and consent
Tell the client where you will touch and which way you will move, and say, 'Tell me straight away if you feel any pain or discomfort.' Confirm consent before touching and before moving.
Stop criteria
Return to the starting position immediately if the client reports sharp pain, numbness, weakness, a pinching feeling in the joint, dizziness, shortness of breath or anxiety, or asks to stop.
Caution
Work within your qualifications, contract and studio procedures, and check medical history, medication and any pain before starting. This is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.
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.
References and scope
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.
