PROTOTYPEStretch lessons are a prototype. The 3D is a schematic of positions and hand contacts.

Exercise 49

Assisted Figure-Four

Drag to rotate

Client's muscles and trainer's surface

01 / 4Cross the legBreathe easily

0.0 / 24.0 s

StartMid-cycleOne cycle

Speed

0.5×1×

Supine · Glutes and external rotators

Assisted Figure-Four

An assisted stretch for the glutes and external rotators, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.

PHASE 01Breathe easily

Cross the leg

Hold the crossed left ankle with a hand so it does not slip off the thigh.

Keep the stretch gentle and stop if you feel pain or numbness. Playback time is for comparing movements, not a prescribed holding time.

Trainer position

Stand on the client's right 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

Place the hands on the right shin (below the knee) and on the crossed left ankle.

Hand placement in 3D: shin of the supporting leg (below the knee), ankle of the crossed leg

Stabilisation

Keep the crossed ankle resting on the right thigh.

Compensation

Pelvic rotation, pressure on the crossed knee, arching 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.