Dr. Gawan

I   Glute and Piriformis Foam Roll

Foam rolling helps you make the best use of your time by massaging muscles,improving flexibility, and preventing injury. The muscles of the glutes and piriformis can greatly benefit from this combination, as they’re used frequently throughout the day.

1.Sit with your left legs lightly bent in front of you and your foot on the floor. Cross your right leg over with your right foot resting on your upper left leg, and place the foam roller under your hips.Put your hands on the floor behind you to prop up your upper body.

2.Roll up and down the right side of the hips and buttocks. If you feel a spot that’s tender or tight,spend more time working that particular area. Perform the rolling movement for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.

II   Hip Flexor Foam Roll

Targeting the hip flexor muscles utilizing the foam roller is a great way to alleviate tightness and help prevent injury. These muscles are often hard to isolate when strengthening and stretching, but are used readily throughout the day.

1. Lie on your left side with your left leg extended on the floor and your right leg crossed over.Place the foam roller under your outer left hip. Keep your arms in front of you to prop your upper body up off the floor

2. Roll up and down the front and outer part of the left hip. If you feel a spot that’s tender or tight,spend more time working that area. Perform the rolling movement for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.

III    Lateral Leg Swing

Many sports require the ability to complete quick lateral moves for success.Use this dynamic stretch to warm up the hip muscles that perform these moves to maximize performance and minimize injury.

1.Lean into a wall or sturdy object for support.Keep your core engaged and back straight. Put your weight on the back leg with a slight bend in the knee.Draw in your abs and raise your right leg.Keeping a bend at the right knee, swing your right leg inward at the hip.

2.Then bring the knee outward across your body, and back to the start position in a continuous sequence. Do this 8 to 12 times,and then repeat using the other leg.