1Step Down [Lateral]
- Start by standing on a step with both feet.
- Shift your weight to the leg that will remain on the step.
- Slowly bend at the hip and knee of your stance leg, controlling the movement as you lower your other leg toward the ground.
- Gently tap your heel on the floor without putting any weight through it.
- Push through the heel of your stance leg and straighten at the hip and knee to return to the starting position.
- Ensure your knee stays aligned with your second toe and avoid letting it collapse inward.
- Keep your hips level throughout the movement to maintain balance.
- Complete repetitions as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
Complete on each side, every 2-3 days
2Bridge [Hamstring Focus]
- Lie on your back with your knees bent at approximately 30° and your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
- Rest your arms at your sides with palms facing down for stability.
- Engage your core and gently press your lower back into the ground.
- Push through your heels, lifting your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
- Hold the top position briefly, ensuring your hamstrings are activated.
- Slowly lower your hips back to the ground with control.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Aim to bias one leg at a time, by having the other leg slightly more in front for support. Complete every 2-3 days
3Piriformis
- Start by lying on your back with knees bent comfortably and feet on the ground.
- Place the outer portion of the ankle of the leg you wish to stretch onto the opposite knee.
- Lift the knee and grab the underside of your thigh.
- Pull your thigh towards you until you feel a stretch in the side of your hip.
- Sustain as per Physiotherapist guidelines.
4Sciatic Nerve Slider
- Lying on your back interlace the hands at the back of the affected knee.
- The knee is stacked over the top of the hip in this position.
- Extend the knee towards the roof with the toes coming back towards the head.
- Move the leg into the position in which you start to feel light tension.
- Keep your leg in this extended position.
- Point your foot to the ceiling and then slowly pull your foot back towards your head.
- Repeat as prescribed by your physiotherapist.
At least 1/day.
5Lumbar Rotation Stretch
- Lie on your back with the arms extended in a ‘T’ formation.
- Lift one knee up so it aligns with the hip joint.
- Using the arm on the opposing side, draw the knee towards the floor.
- Maintain contact with the shoulders and the ground.
- Take the head to the opposite direction of the knee.
- Sustain this stretch as per your Physiotherapist guidelines.
- Repeat on the other side.
At least 1/day
6Sciatic Nerve Slider
Can do instead of the lying down variation – good for at your desk at work
7Deadbug
- Lie on your back with knees bent up.
- Slowly one leg at a time bring your legs into tabletop position.
- Extend both arms to the ceiling directly in front of your chest.
- Extend opposite arm and opposite leg away from your trunk breathing out as you do.
- Bring the arm and leg back to the start point while breathing in.
- Repeat on the opposite side or as prescribed by your Physiotherapist.
Every 2nd day.