LER – Basic Stretching

Hip Extensors (gluteus):

While standing on your unaffected leg, place the
foot of your affected leg on a step stool.
With your knee bent, lean towards the stool.
Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and repeat
1-2 times per day.
Hip Flexors:

While standing on your affected leg, place your
opposite foot on a chair or step stool. Making
sure to keep your affected leg straight, lean towards
the chair or stool until you feel a stretch in the front
of your hip. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and
repeat 1-2 times per day.
Hip Abductors:

While standing with your legs apart, lean over to
your unaffected side until you feel a stretch on the
side of your hip, on the affected side. Hold this
stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 1-2 times per day.
Hip Abductors:

While standing with your feet wider than shoulder
width apart, slowly bend your unaffected leg while
leaning to the same side. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds.
Knee Extension:

While sitting, place a rolled up towel under the ankle of
your affected leg. Make sure your leg is straight in front
of you, let gravity pull your knee towards the floor, which
will stretch behind your knee. To enhance this stretch,
you may place extra pressure (with your hand or a
light weight) on your knee. Hold this stretch for at least
30 seconds. Repeat this stretch 10 times, 1-2 times per day.
Knee Flexion:

While lying on your back, bend at the hip and
grab your leg at the back of your thigh. Let gravity
bend your knee and stretch it for 30 seconds,
then repeat 1-2 times per day.
Heel Cord Stretching:

While standing, place your hands against a wall and place your
unaffected foot in front (closer to the wall) of your affected foot.
Keep your affected leg straight and lean towards the wall
making sure to keep your heel on the floor and your toes
slightly pointed in. To enhance this stretch, move your
affected foot further from the wall and perform the same stretch.
Repeat this stretch with your knee bent. Hold these stretches for 30 seconds
and repeat 1-2 times per day.

Lower Extremity Rehabilitation Program

Joseph H. Guettler, M.D.
Kenneth Soave, PT, Director of Physical Therapy Services

Lower Extremity Basic Stretching:

Hip stretching in all four directions:

Hip Extensors (gluteus):

While standing on your unaffected leg, place the foot of your affected leg on a step stool. With your knee bent, lean towards the stool. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and repeat 1-2 times per day.