Text observation, side view: in a seated hamstring stretch, a client rounds the back markedly to touch the toes while reporting back discomfort. What is the best initial instruction?
- AReduce reach and use a tolerated hip-focused position
- BKeep reaching for the toes but hold for a shorter time
- CKeep the reach target and exhale to relax deeper into it
- DUse the client's sit-and-reach score to set today's target depth
Show answer and explanations
Answer
A
The toe-touch goal is being met with spinal rounding and discomfort. A smaller reach with a hip-hinge emphasis stretches the hamstrings in a tolerated position.
B
A shorter hold still repeats the rounded, uncomfortable spinal position.
C
Relaxing deeper into the same reach increases lumbar flexion, the source of the discomfort.
D
Sit-and-reach distance includes spinal flexion, so it sets a target the client reaches by rounding the back.
A
The toe-touch goal is being met with spinal rounding and discomfort. A smaller reach with a hip-hinge emphasis stretches the hamstrings in a tolerated position.