Stretch of the Week: Standing Cobra Door Stretch
Continuing with our subclavius stretches for July, week 3 brings us to the Standing Cobra Door Stretch. It’s becoming a favorite of mine.
You will need a door with handles on both sides and possibly a small stepping stool for this stretch. Sturdy cork yoga blocks can work in place of a stool.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Lunge
The final week of June is upon us. Let’s end it with a great stretch called the Chair Lunge!
This stretch will work on the hip flexor muscle group that can shorten from sitting too much.
You will need a chair for this stretch, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Chair Forward Fold
Week 2 of June brings us to the Chair Forward Fold
Those of you who sit for long periods of time can end up with a tight lower back, hip, and thigh muscles. This week’s stretch will target all those areas!
If you have a history of low back conditions such as pain, bulging/herniated discs, hip problems or hamstring strains or tears, this may not be the right exercise for you. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
You will need a chair, preferably one without wheels. If your chair has wheels, make sure they are locked in place.
Stretch of the Week: Supported Prone Twist
Week 4 of our restorative stretch journey takes us to the Supported Prone Twist.
You will need a bolster or several folded blankets for this stretch.
If you have a history of knee pain or injuries, conditions hindering you from twisting, or if you have trouble getting up and down from the floor, please do not perform this stretch. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to consult with your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine which exercises are best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Eagle Legs
For the 3rd week of April we will review an internal hip rotation movement that will also help to build stability and balance.
This exercise is called Eagle Legs in the yoga world.
You will need a sturdy chair for this stretch.
If you have a history of hip or knee injuries (pain, impingement), hip replacements, have difficulty balancing or have a history of falls, it is not recommended to perform this exercise. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Prone Double Internal Rotation Stretch
Continuing with the theme of internal rotation of the hip, for week two we will review a stretch while lying face down.
This is the Prone Double Internal Rotation stretch.
You will need some wall space for this week’s stretch. If you have trouble coming all the way to the floor you can perform this on the bed as well. As with last week’s exercise, you should not perform this stretch if you have or are currently experiencing the following: hip injuries, hip replacements, hip impingement, or pain when rotating the hip or knee inward. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended that you contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to determine what is best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Self-Massage Technique
Five Weeks in March Means a Bonus Self-Massage Technique
For this self-massage technique we will focus on releasing the tight fascia and muscles of the low back.
You will need a tennis ball for this technique. As with beginning any exercise program, it is recommended to contact your physician, physical or occupational therapist to find out what is best for you.
Stretch of the Week: Pelvic Tilts
Pelvic Tilts: Therapeutic Stretches for the Lower Back
Welcome to the weekly stretch for March!
This month we have been focusing on more therapeutic stretches for the low back. If you have ever been in therapy for low back pain you may have recognized one or two of these. Let’s continue this with Pelvic Tilts for week 4!
