Hip Flexor: Release and Lengthening
Knowing hip flexor release and lengthening techniques can reduce hip pain, lower back pain, etc., and improve fitness performance.
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Course Description: Hip Flexor Release and Lengthening
This course describes hip flexor release and lengthening, commonly referred to as hip flexor foam rolling, hip flexor release with ball, hip flexor stretching, and hip flexor mobility techniques. Although terms like tight muscle, muscle tightness, tight hips, and tight hip flexors are commonly used, it may be more accurate to label these muscles as prone to over-activity (e.g. hypertonic, phasic). Performing hip flexor release and lengthening techniques to increase mobility prior to activation, integration, and strengthening techniques may significantly enhance rehabilitation and performance programs. In practice, the release of the tensor fascia latae (TFL), vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and adductors, mobilizing the hip joint, and integrating a kneeling hip flexor stretch, active hip flexor stretch, and/or standing adductor stretch, is likely to improve hip mobility and improve the effectiveness of exercises like gluteus medius clams, glute bridges, deadlift touchdowns, etc. Hip flexor over-activity has been correlated with altered lower extremity alignment, an anterior pelvic tilt, lower crossed syndrome, loss of hip flexor strength, loss of hip extensor strength, low back pain, groin pain, hip pain, knee pain, an increased risk of future injury, and a loss of sports performance. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) should add these exercises to their repertoire to improve the outcomes of their integrated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions.
Release Techniques
- Tensor Fascia Latae Static Release
- Vastus Lateralis Static Release
- Vastus Lateralis Dynamic Release
- Rectus Femoris Static Release
Joint Mobilization Techniques
Following release techniques, but before lengthening techniques, it may be beneficial to perform Self-administered Joint mobilization Techniques: Lower Body .
Lengthening Techniques
Pre-approved credits for:
Pre-approved for Continuing Education Credits for:
- Athletic Trainers
- Chiropractors
- Group Exercise Instructors
- Massage Therapists
- Occupational Therapists - Intermediate
- Personal Trainers
- Physical Therapists
- Physical Therapy Assistants
- Yoga Instructors
This Course Includes:
- AI Tutor
- Study Guide
- Text and Illustrations
- Audio Voice-over
- Research Review
- Technique Videos
- Sample Routine
- Practice Exam
- Pre-approved Final Exam

Course Study Guide: Hip Flexor: Release and Lengthening
Introduction: Hip Flexor Release & Lengthening4 Sub Sections
Research Corner: Hip Flexor Release
Techniques & Progressions for Hip Flexor Release and Stretching
Hip Flexor Muscle Release Techniques
Release Techniques: Tensor Fascia Latae1 Sub Section
Release Technique: Gluteus Minimus1 Sub Section
Release Technique: Vastus Lateralis4 Sub Sections
Lengthening Technique: Hip Flexors4 Sub Sections
Sample Hip Mobility Program and Progressions
Bibliography
- Phillip Page, Clare Frank, Robert Lardner, Assessment and Treatment of Muscle Imbalance: The Janda Approach © 2010 Benchmark Physical Therapy, Inc., Clare C. Frank, and Robert Lardner
- Dr. Mike Clark & Scott Lucette, “NASM Essentials of Corrective Exercise Training” © 2011 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Leon Chaitow, Muscle Energy Techniques: Third Edition, © Pearson Professional Limited 2007
- Shirley A Sahrmann, Diagnoses and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes, © 2002 Mosby Inc.
- Cynthia C. Norkin, D. Joyce White, Measurement of Joint Motion: A Guide to Goniometry – Third Edition. © 2003 by F.A. Davis Company
- Tateuchi, H., Taniguchi, M., Mori, N., Ichihashi, N. Balance of hip and trunk muscle activity is associated with increased anterior pelvic tilt during prone hip extension (2013) Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology 22 (3). 391-39
- Oh JS, Cynn HS, Won JH, Kwon OY, Yi CH. Effects of performing an abdominal drawing-in maneuver during prone hip extension exercises on hip and back extensor muscle activity and amount of anterior pelvic tilt. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007 Jun;37(6):320-4
- Levine D, Whittle MW. The effects of pelvic movement on lumbar lordosis in the standing position. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1996 Sep;24(3):130-5.
- Healey, K.C., Hatfield, D.L., Blanpied, P., Dorfman, L.R., and Riebe, D. (2014). The effects of myofascial release with foam rolling on performance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 28(1). 61–68
- Pearcy, G.E.P., Bradbury-Squires, D.J., Kawamoto, J., Drinkwater, E.J., Behm, D.G., Button, D.C. (2015) Foam rolling for delayed-onset muscle soreness and recovery of dynamic performance measures. Journal of Athletic Training. 50(1): 5-13
- Macdonald, G.Z., Button, D.C., Drinkwater, E.J., Behm, D.G. (2014) Foam rolling as a recovery tool after an intense bout of physical activity. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise 46(1): 131-142
- Sullivan, K.M., Silvey, D.B.J., Button, D.C., Behm, D.G. (2013). Roller-massager application to the hamstrings increases sit-and-reach range of motion within five to ten seconds without performance impairments. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy 8(3) 228-236.
- Halperin, I., Aboodarda, S.J., Button, D.C., Andersen, L.L., Behm, D.G. (2014). Roller massager improves range of motion of plantar flexor muscles without subsequent decreases in force parameters. The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy. 9(1): 92 -102
- Mohr, A. R., Long, B. C., & Goad, C. L. (forthcoming 2014). Foam Rolling and Static Stretching on Passive Hip Flexion Range of Motion. Journal of sport rehabilitation. Currently in press.
- Skarabot, J., Beardsley, B., Stim, I. (2015). Comparing the effects of self-myofascial release with static stretching on ankle range of motion in adolescent athletes. International Journal of Sports Phyiscal Therapy. 10(2): 203-212
- Renan-Ordine, R., Alburquerque-Sedin, F., De Souza, E.P.R., Cleland, J.A., Fernandez-De-La-Penas, C. (2011) Effectiveness of myofascial trigger point manual therapy combined with a self-stretching protocol for the management of plantar heel pain: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine
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