Hamstring Stretches

Right Hamstring Stretch

Dr. Jason B Kaster shows how to stretch the right hamstring along with an added calf muscle stretch gastrocnemius and soleus stretch. This hamstring muscles can be a low back pain generator when they are tight. In addition, this tightness may cause the pelvis to shift and cause other problems, such as hip flexor tightness and pelvic torsion. This stretch is only to be performed as long as the individual does not have increased low back pain. This stretch is known as the straight leg raise in orthopedic testing. If you suffer increase low back pain or shooting / sciatic pain to the thigh, calf, and foot discontinue the stretch and see your physician for evaluation. If while performing the stretch you notice some numbness or tingling in the back of the thigh, calf, or foot you may continue the stretch-this is normal after a minute or two. It is recommended this stretch be performed for 5 minutes per leg. In summary, as long as this stretch does not increase low back, or shooting pain in the thigh, calf, or foot it will be beneficial to help decrease low back pain. The gastroc / soleus muscle stretch helps provide relief from sciatica, radiating pain, post operative achilles rupture. Furthermore, when the hamstring, gastroc, soleus stretches when performed on a regular basis will help prevent injury for most sports related activities.