Stretches for hip pain

June 19, 2008 3:14 PM

I've been having moderate hip pain for the last two days, and I'm not sure what caused it. Either way, I was wondering if the hive mind could suggest some good hip stretches or exercises that might help alleviate the pain, or at least keep it from getting worse. Thanks!
posted by bjork24 to health & fitness (3 comments total)

Simple hip stretching therapy.
posted by netbros at 3:21 PM on June 19

People use "hip" to refer to different things. Does it hurt in the front, on the side, or in the buttock? How old are you? What have you been up to?
posted by neuron at 5:09 PM on June 19

Maybe you did something that challenged your psoas, a small, deep muscle that usually doesn't get much love. Stretching the psoas feels wonderful, in an owy sort of way.

I do this stretch or a seated modification thereof pretty frequently. It feels great.

You can also sit in a chair, and cross your ankle over your opposite knee, and then lean forward FROM YOUR HIPS. Don't bend your spine at all; keep a straight back. If you keep your back nice and straight, you won't be able to bend forward very much at all, but you'll be stretching the muscles that are aching.

If you're feeling really good, do this same stretch from a half-lotus position. Either way, get into it, and approach the stretch from slightly different angles.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 7:50 PM on June 19