91 (154)

6.2.1.

Therapy for the biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendino-sus (The Hamstrings).

Starting Position: P: Supine; hip in fuli flexion and thigh stabilized with a belt; knee extended as much as shortened muscles allow. T: Standing at P’s right side, facing P's head.

Grip: P’s heel and lower leg rest on T’s left shoulder. T's left hand grips ventral side of P’s lower leg just below the knee. T's right hand stabilizes P’s left thigh ventrally just proximal to the knee, or left thigh may be stabilized with a belt.

Procedurę: Using this grip, T gradually and fully extends at P’s knee.

1

.

Stimulation of Antagonists: T moves left hand just proximal to P’s right ankle. T then asks P to move further in the direction of stretching, and resists that movement to stimulate P’s antagonists.

Notes: This techniąue is easier for T and morę comfortable for P than conventional stretching with extended knee. It may be used in all cases where hip flexion is greater with the knee flexed than with the knee extended.

For maximal stretching of the Hamstrings:

Muscle

Biceps femoris

Semimembranosus and semitendinosus

94

Techniąue

Same, except P’s leg is medially rotated at both hip and knee and adductedat hip.

Same, except P’s leg is laterally rotated at both hip and knee and abducted at hip.

Fig. 65 a. Starting Position.

Fig. 65 b. Finał Position.

I