Hamstring Stretch

This exercise is a hamstring stretch and its aim is to lengthen the soft tissue on the back of your thighs.

Place your foot of the leg you want to stretch on a step out in front of you. Make sure your foot is flat and that your toes aren’t pointed up. Keep your knee locked out straight and your back straight as well. Then slowly lean forward bringing your chest towards your outstretched leg, you should feel the stretch in the back of your thigh muscles, the hamstrings. You can hold onto something to help you balance if you wish. Once you have finished the stretch return back to the start position.

You can also create this stretch by adopting the same starting position with your foot on a step and knee locked out straight, but instead of moving your chest forwards you can lower yourself down slightly using your other leg.

As a rough guide aim to hold the stretch position for at least 1 minute, but follow your rehab programme for the recommended duration, and ideally make sure you are warm before you perform it.