Assisted Piriformis Stretch | Assisted stretch in 3D
Assisted Piriformis Stretch: supine, deep external rotators. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.
Position and focus
Supine · Deep external rotators
An assisted stretch for the deep external rotators, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Starting position
The client lies supine with the left hip and knee bent and the foot turned slightly inwards. The trainer stands on the left side.
Movement phases
1. Support the leg
Place the hands on the outside of the knee and on the ankle.
2. Guide to the opposite shoulder
Guide the knee towards the right shoulder, bending the hip and drawing it inwards.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch deep in the buttock and any pinching at the front of the hip.
4. Return the leg
Keep supporting the leg as you return it.
What the trainer checks
Check that the pelvis is not lifting off the table and that no twist is being applied to the knee.
Instructor information
Trainer position
Stand on the client's left (the side shown in the 3D) with your feet apart front to back, at a height that suits the table. Move by shifting your body weight rather than holding with the arms alone.
Contact and support
Press the outside of the knee with the palm and support the front of the ankle with the other hand.
Stabilisation
The other leg stays straight and rests on the table.
Compensation
Lifting and rotation of the pelvis, pinching at the front of the hip, rounding of the lower back.
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.
This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.
Related lessons
Assisted Knee-to-Chest
Assisted stretch
Gluteus maximus and hip flexion
Assisted Figure-Four
Assisted stretch
Glutes and external rotators
Supported Hip External Rotation
Assisted stretch
Hip internal rotators (external rotation)
Supported Hip Internal Rotation
Assisted stretch
Hip external rotators (internal rotation)
Assisted Lateral Hip Stretch
Assisted stretch
Gluteus medius region
Table-Edge Hip Flexor Stretch
Assisted stretch
Front of the hip