Christine Koth

“Figure 4 Stretch A Figure 4 stretch lengthens muscles in the back of the hip, such as the piriformis muscle. Bringing circulation to this area of the body and releasing tension in the piriformis helps the iliacus because it keeps the Villains from tugging against it. Releasing tension in this area also helps to reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, which can get pressed upon when the piriformis is tight. Figure 4 stretch for the hip rotators with hands or using the wall Lie on your back and cross one leg over the other so that your ankle is resting on your opposite knee. At this point, you have two options: one is to bring your hands behind your opposite knee and bring your knee up towards your chest until you feel a stretch. Alternatively, you can place that same foot on the wall. Both methods are effective; however, putting your foot up on the wall can also help facilitate relaxation because you’re not having to strain the upper body by pulling with your hand. You should feel a stretch in the back of the hip and leg. If you feel any groin or knee pain, stop. With this stretch you want to change the behavior of the muscle, different than just warming up a muscle. Therefore, hold this stretch for longer than normal, three to five minutes on each side. If you stop feeling the stretch either pull a little bit further or stop. It’s not working if you don’t feel it in the right place. One repetition per day is all that is needed. Doing this on both sides is ideal. Don’t forget to realign the pelvis after doing all of your stretches and exercises.”
― Christine Koth, Tight Hip, Twisted Core: The Key To Unresolved Pain

“**Important** This exercise is done on only one side. You must first decide which side of the body has the tightest iliacus and is rotated forward. Use the “QUIZ” to determine your tightest side. You only do this exercise on the tightest side. Do not switch to the other side to balance yourself. We are actually creating balance by only doing this exercise on the side that is out of balance. If you don’t know what side is tightest, then skip this exercise. On the Back Realign the pelvis on your back Lie down on your back and bring both knees up towards your chest so both feet are off the ground. Place your hand behind the knee of the side that is tightest (determined with the “QUIZ”). Squeeze your hand with your calf by bending your knee. At the same time, push against your hand, without moving, as if you’re pushing your foot down towards the ground. Your hand will be resisting the pressure of your leg pressing against you. You don’t need to press your hardest; a mild to moderate amount of pressure is just fine. The other leg is just up off the ground and not doing anything. It’s important to keep it up off the ground so that it doesn’t accidentally push into the ground or cheat in some way. There is no motion with this exercise, just pushing. Push against your hand so that your foot is trying to touch the ground but not moving. Hold the push for two seconds, or one deep breath, and then relax. Repeat this push ten times. After those ten repetitions, your pelvis should be in better alignment. In Standing”
― Christine Koth, Tight Hip, Twisted Core: The Key To Unresolved Pain