Counter Stretch for the Hamstrings (Neural Tension Self Mobilization)

  • The patient is standing with the feet approximately hip width apart and places both hands on top of a counter or table top with the hands shoulder width apart.
  • Have the patient bend their knees but have them keep their heels flat on the floor. The patient is instructed to lift their sit bones up and back, toward the ceiling to achieve a neutral spine.
  • Instruct the patient to push their hands against the table top to assist in extending and elongating the thoracic spine.
  • Instruct the patient to straighten their elbows and attempt to elongate the spine, dropping the chest towards the floor.
  • Finally, have the patient straighten the knees maintaining a neutral lumbar spine, while lifting the sit bones towards the ceiling.
  • They straighten and bend their knees on/off approximately 10-12 times. They should not feel pain in the low back with this stretch.
  • Do not allow the patient to hyperextend the knees or drop their head during the stretch.
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