When I learned this stretch in chiropractic school, I wondered where it had been all my life!
If you spend a significant amount of time with your hips flexed (sitting, cycling, skiing, running etc), chances are you have at least one tight hip flexor. Similar to my opinion on general hamstring and calf stretches, other ways like Pigeon Pose do work I just consistently find this stretch is the most effective.
So how would you know if you have a tight hip flexor? You might feel tight at the front of your hips/pelvis, perhaps you have a hard time standing up straight, and likely the most common and debilitating symptom I see is low back pain that feels better when you lie on your back with your hips and knees bent at 90 degrees and your calves resting on a chair, couch, or large stack of cushions.
Is stretching the only thing that will help? Definitely not, but it is something you can do on your own, like a sphynx or cobra pose, that can help. It is also important to address any aggregators such as your office setup, bike fit, or posture and it is definitely very important to facilitate the healing process as well.
How do you facilitate a healing process in the body?
Of course I am biased, and naturally so because I see the results of care all the time, so it’s not a surprise that I find Network Spinal Analysis to be a very effective method of facilitating your body’s natural healing processes, increasing your awareness and connection, and being more present. All of these things allow you to be more dynamic and responsive to yourself and what is going on around you, integrate with stress better, and experience greater success in many aspects of life.
So enjoy the video below, share it with your friends, and if I can help you out or guide you to a great NSA doc in your neighbourhood, just let me know, I am happy to help.
Be well,
Gregg
