Rehabilitation Exercises >> Back & Spine: Level 1 Back Exercises >> Hamstring Stretch (Lying Down)

Hamstring Stretch (Lying Down)

These exercises should only be performed after evaluation by a qualified medical professional and under their instruction. Failure to properly ascertain the reasons for certain injuries or the causes of pain may lead to further injury if these exercises are performed.

Should you experience pain or discomfort while doing an exercise, stop immediately. Follow only the exercises that your doctor has recommended to avoid the potential of further injury.

Purpose

To warm-up and stretch hamstring.

Steps

1. Begin by lying on your back with arms at your side. Keep the left leg straight on the floor.
2. Lift right leg at hip approximately 90 degrees and place both hands behind right leg.
3. Keep elbows straight and slowly straighten right knee to feel stretch behind right leg.
4. Hold for 1-5 seconds.
5. Slowly return leg to floor and relax.
6. Repeat 5 times holding stretch longer each time.
7. Repeat previous steps with left leg.

Tips

• You can also use a belt or a towel to help elevate the leg.
• No pain should be felt in low back with this exercise.
• You may place a folded towel under your low back for support.