Assisted Piriformis Stretch
Supine · Deep external rotators
An assisted stretch for the deep external rotators, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Supine · Deep external rotators
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.
Trainer 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.
The sources include material for clinicians and carers. This 3D is not yet fully reviewed as a studio procedure and does not replace hands-on training. Do not perform unfamiliar techniques from the 3D alone.
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. For clients who have had a hip replacement, do not take the hip into deep bending, inward crossing or inward rotation; follow their healthcare professional’s instructions.
These English notes describe a prototype model. The stretch, foam roller and resistance band lessons are being produced under the supervision of CoconeRu. Move, reviewed in stages. They are not medical advice or an individual exercise prescription.
References
This lesson was put together for this site. It has not yet been reviewed by an expert.
About this page
It shows a typical way to do the movement. The 3D is a schematic model; it does not decide whether a lesson suits you, prescribe exercise or diagnose anything. Stop if you feel pain or discomfort.
Sources, supervision and revisions