3 Best Stretches for Hip and Back Pain

I   Lateral Lunge

Chances are, you don’t have to move side to side very often. This can leave youat risk of losing your balance, and even more susceptible to injury. This dynamicstretch not only increases range of motion in the hips and groin, it alsoimproves lower body strength, balance, and coordination.

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hands together or on your hips.Keep your core engaged and maintain good posture throughout the movement.Lunge sideways, landing softly on the heel of your left foot with your toes out slightly. Keep your knee in line with your first toes. 

2.The lunge knee should be around 90 degrees and the stationary leg should be straight with the knee slightly bent and foot pointing straight ahead. Rise back to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. Alternate for 5 to 8 reps on each side.

II   Reverse 90/90

Loosening the muscles of the hips is one way to relieve the symptoms of lower back pain. You get a big bang for your buck with the Reverse 90/90. You may feel a tight IT band along the outside of your thigh as the stretch goes around the hip and into your lower back.

1.Lie flat on your back with your arms fully extended. Bend your right knee and place your right foot on the floor. Cross your left leg over to rest on your right thigh.Keeping your shoulders, upper back, and arms flat on the floor,drop both knees toward the right side. 

2.Feel the stretch through your lower back and left hip. Reverse your leg positions and repeat in the opposite direction.

EASIER: If you find it a challenge to keep your shoulders flat on the ground, raise your left arm toward the ceiling for the duration of the stretch

III  Standing Outer Hip Stretch

Repetitive movements such as running and biking can lead to tight hip muscles.Opening tight hips is key to alleviating pain associated with the IT band and low back. Use this stretch frequently to open up the hips and keep them loose.

1.Use a wall or door way to support this stretch.With your left side to the wall, place your hand on the wall with a bend in the arm and rest your right hand on your hip. Cross your right leg over your left.Move into the stretch by pushing your left hip away from the wall.

2.Keep your torso in line with your legs and don’t lean forward or backward Raise your right arm overhead. Press until you feel a stretch through out the outer right hip.Hold for 15 to 20 seconds and repeat on the opposite side.