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6.8.1A.

Therapy for the iliopsoas. Muscle markedly shortened.

Starting Position: P: Prone with hip joint located sightly forward of couch hinge (so lower end of couch may be elevated); left leg over side of couch, foot on the floor; to avoid lumbar lordosis (which also may be painful), the foot may be moved forward on the floor and stabilized in position by T’s left foot. This flexes hip further, flattens the lordosis and prevents P evading the stretching; a cushion may be placed under the abdomen to inerease ventral fiexion of the lumbar spine (and therefore the effect of the stretching); pelvis stabilized with a belt. T: Standing facing P’s left side about level with P’s right knee.

Grip: T s right hand adjusts the angle of the foot end of the couch. T’s left hand is placed on the dorsal side of P's right thigh just distal to the ischial tuberosity.

Procedurę: Using this grip, Ts right hand slowly lifts the lower part of the couch, thereby gradually and fully extending at P’s hip.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T moves right hand to dorsal side of thigh just proximal to knee. T then asks P to move further in the direction of stretching, and resists that movement to stimulate P’s antagonists. To inerease contraction when stimulating, T uses left hand to slap P's right buttock.

Notę: If the lower end of the couch cannot be elevated, T can use right hand to support P’s leg just above the knee, and gradually lift the leg to extend at the hip.

Fig. 72 a. Starting Position.

Fig. 72 b. Finał Position.

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