Rectus Femoris Stretch
Prone · Rectus femoris and hip extension
An assisted stretch for the rectus femoris and hip extension, observing contact, stabilisation and compensation separately.
Position and focus
Prone · Rectus femoris and hip extension
Starting position
The client lies prone and starts with the knee bent. Support the front of the ankle with one hand and the thigh just above the knee from underneath with the other.
Movement phases
1. Support the bent knee
Keep the knee bent and take the weight of the leg.
2. Lift the thigh
Keeping the knee angle, lift the thigh slightly off the table.
3. Check the response
Check for a stretch at the front of the thigh, any arching of the lower back and any lifting of the pelvis.
4. Return the leg
Lower the thigh to the table, then straighten the knee.
What the trainer checks
Check that the lower back is not arching and that the pelvis is not lifting off the table.
Trainer information
Trainer position
Stand on the side of the target leg with the feet staggered front to back, matching your stance to the height of the table.
Contact and support
Support the front of the ankle and the thigh just above the knee from underneath.
Stabilisation
Stay within the range in which the pelvis does not lift off the table.
Compensation
Arching of the lower back, lifting of the pelvis, the hip opening outwards.
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.
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
Each note describes what the whole source covers.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS — Stretching Exercises with Assistance ↗
For helpers: where to support and how to move the shoulder (raising and opening), elbow and wrist, double knee hug, knee rolls, inner thigh, front of the hip lying on the side, front and back of the thigh, and ankle.
This lesson was put together for this site from the methods for the same area in the sources above. 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