Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

Hip Rotator (Piriformis) Stretch

To start, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Don’t press your neck or low back to the floor. Breathe deeply. You should feel comfortable and relaxed in this position.

  • Rest your right ankle on your left knee.

  • Place a towel behind your left thigh and use it to pull the knee toward your chest. Feel the stretch in your buttocks.

  • Hold for 20 seconds. Release.

  • Repeat  5 times.

  • Switch legs. 

  • If there is any pain other than a stretch in the knee or buttock, stop and contact your healthcare provider.

Woman lying on back pulling one thigh to chest with towel.

Safety

For your safety, check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise program.

Online Medical Reviewer: Rajadurai Samnishanth
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
The health content and information on this site is made possible through the generous support of the Haspel Education Fund.
StayWell Disclaimer