Hip pain can take on all kinds of dimensions. From the odd tightness and stiffness to persistent clicking and full-blown throbbing. At Spinal Care Clinics in Brentwood we’ve noticed that too many people experience some form of hip pain, and sitting down for lengthy periods isn’t good news for our hips. It keeps the flexor muscles in a shortened position, which can trigger pain and discomfort and that’s why its so important to release some this built-up constriction with daily stretching.
It’s easy to focus on the hips, but many of us forget how connected our back is to every part of our body and especially our hips! The largest and longest nerve in our body, the sciatic nerve, actually travels from the lower back right down to the feet.
When trying a new pose, remember to never push into the pain, we need to stay in the pain-free zone. Stretching is about passively building flexibility to prevent injury.
Give the lizard pose a go to loosen-up those muscles.
It’s a great way to stretch your hips and legs by working your hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors.
High lizard’s pose
- To get started, set yourself up in a high plank position.
- Take a deep breath. As you exhale, step your left foot forward and place it on the outside of your left hand so that your knee forms a right angle.
- Your head should be in line with your spine.
- Lift you right knee off the ground and clench your buttocks holding your hips high.
- Maintain this position for 20-30 seconds before swapping legs.
If you’d like to deepen the stretch, you can easily transition into the full lizard pose from here.
Bend your arms and come down onto your elbows.
Keep your head level and spine in neutral position, almost parallel to the ground.
For another soothing hip stretch, try the happy baby pose.