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

Exercise 49

Assisted Piriformis Stretch

Drag to rotate

Client's muscles and trainer's surface

01 / 4Support the legBreathe easily

0.0 / 24.0 s

StartMid-cycleOne cycle

Speed

0.5×1×

Supine · Deep external rotators

Assisted Piriformis Stretch

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

PHASE 01Breathe easily

Support the leg

Place the hands on the outside of the knee and on the ankle.

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 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.

Hand placement in 3D: outside of the knee, front of the ankle

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.