This tutorial is focusing on stretching the PIRIFORMIS MUSCLE as well as opening those HIPS!! This is one of my ALL TIME FAVOURITE stretches and is also one of the most effective (although it is very intense).
This stretch is designed to keep our glutes and hips mobile & healthy! You will feel this stretch deeply in your glutes in a muscle called the PIRIFORMIS which which runs from the base of the spine to the top of the femur and helps with hip rotation and stability. Due to its close proximity to the sciatic nerve, problems with the piriformis muscle including: swelling, tightening, or muscle spasms can irritate the sciatic nerve and cause pain and discomfort in both the hips and glutes — which is a painful condition called PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME. Therefore, keeping the piriformis mobile can reduce irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve.
This stretch is PERFECT FOR:
- Those of you on chairs and sofas for long periods of time staring at the for work
- The regular exercisers, specifically runners out there
- Those spending hours driving cars
- Anyone experiencing lower back pain or general muscle tension in the hamstrings, hips or glutes
Enjoy!