Rehabilitation Exercises >> Back & Spine: Level 1 Back Exercises >> Piriformis Stretch

Piriformis Stretch

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 stretch buttock (piriformis) muscle.

Steps

1. Begin by lying on your back and lifting your left leg with your knee bent.
2. Grasp left leg with right hand over or under the ankle. Place left hand on outside of left knee.
3. Bring left leg knee toward midline of your chest.
4. Slowly increase pressure on ankle using right hand. Feel the stretch in your left buttocks.
5. Hold for 3-5 seconds.
6. Repeat 5 times.
7. Repeat repeat with right leg.

Tips

• Keep your knee in line with your nose.