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Supported Toe Extension | Assisted stretch in 3D

Supported Toe Extension: supine, toes and sole of the foot. Preparation, 4 movement phases, points to check and cautions, with a 3D model you can pause and rotate.

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A schematic 3D view of Supported Toe Extension
One moment from the lesson model. Open 3D to follow the whole movement from any angle.

Position and focus

Supine · Toes and sole of the foot

An assisted stretch for the toes and sole of the foot, 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 and places the other hand against the underside of the toes.

Movement phases

1. Support the heel

Keep the ankle at a comfortable angle.

2. Bend the toes back

From the base of the toes, bend the toes back towards the shin.

3. Check the response

Check for a stretch in the sole of the foot and any pain at the base of the toes.

4. Return the toes

Relax the hand and let the toes return.

What the trainer checks

Check that you are not pressing hard on the toe tips 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 across the whole underside of the toes.

Stabilisation

Keep the ankle angle.

Compensation

Bending back of the toe tips alone, movement of the ankle.

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.

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