Clamshell Exercise
A hip strengthening exercise that targets the gluteus medius muscle. Strong gluteus medius muscles are essential for hip stability, proper walking mechanics, and preventing knee valgus. This exercise is fundamental in hip and knee rehabilitation.
- Duration
- 8 minutes
- Sets & Reps
- 3 sets × 15 reps each side
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Body Part
- Hip & Groin
Equipment Needed
Benefits
- Strengthens the gluteus medius for hip stability
- Prevents knee valgus (inward collapse) during walking
- Improves single-leg balance and gait mechanics
- Key exercise for IT band syndrome prevention
How to Perform
- 1
Lie on your side with your hips and knees bent at 45 degrees, feet together.
- 2
Keeping your feet together, raise your top knee as high as you can without rotating your pelvis.
Tip: Keep your core engaged to prevent your body from rolling backward. - 3
Hold at the top for 2 seconds, then slowly lower.
- 4
Complete all reps on one side, then switch.
Safety Tips
Who Should Avoid This Exercise
Knee Pain Self-Assessment
Evaluate your knee pain symptoms to understand the possible severity and whether physiotherapy could help you recover an...
Take a Self-AssessmentGet Back to What You Love
Chat with a licensed physiotherapist – no referral needed, no commitment.
Quick response via WhatsApp
Related Conditions
Hip pain affects Malaysians of all ages, from young athletes with labral injuries to older adults with osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy addresses hip pain through targeted strengthening, manual therapy, and movement retraining to improve function and reduce discomfort.
Knee pain affects people of all ages in Malaysia, from young athletes to elderly individuals. Whether caused by injury, arthritis, or overuse, physiotherapy offers effective non-surgical solutions. Our approach includes strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining to restore knee function and reduce pain. Our network physiotherapists report a 90% patient satisfaction rate for knee pain treatment through PhysioNear.
Rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery is critical for a successful recovery. Our physiotherapists follow surgeon-approved protocols to progressively restore hip strength, mobility, and walking ability while observing necessary precautions during the healing process.
Groin strains are common among Malaysian football and futsal players, involving tears to the adductor muscles of the inner thigh. Physiotherapy provides targeted rehabilitation to restore muscle strength and flexibility, preventing recurrence and ensuring a safe return to sport.
Professional Treatment Options
Full-spectrum physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Our orthopedic physiotherapists treat fractures, joint replacements, arthritis, and sports injuries using manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and advanced modalities. PhysioNear's network spans 16 states with orthopedic-trained physiotherapists, trusted by over 5,000 patients in 14 years. Most musculoskeletal patients report pain reduction within 3–5 sessions.
Hands-on physiotherapy techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, and myofascial release. Our skilled physiotherapists use manual therapy to restore joint movement, reduce pain, and improve tissue flexibility for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. With 14 years of experience and 5,000+ happy patients, PhysioNear connects you with skilled manual therapists across all 16 states. Most patients experience improved range of motion after just 2–4 sessions.
Evidence-based physiotherapy for persistent pain conditions. We use a biopsychosocial approach combining manual therapy, graded exercise therapy, pain neuroscience education, and self-management strategies to help you take control of your pain and improve your quality of life. PhysioNear has helped 5,000+ Malaysians find the right pain management physiotherapist over 14 years. Most chronic pain patients report meaningful relief within 6–8 sessions.
Specialized physiotherapy for athletes and active individuals. Our sports physiotherapists treat acute injuries, chronic overuse conditions, and provide return-to-sport rehabilitation programs. Whether you play badminton, football, futsal, or hit the gym, we help you recover faster and perform better. Over 14 years, PhysioNear has connected 5,000+ athletes and active Malaysians with certified sports physiotherapists across 16 states. Most patients report noticeable improvement within 3–5 sessions.
Structured rehabilitation following surgical procedures including joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, spinal surgery, and more. Our physiotherapists follow evidence-based protocols in collaboration with your surgeon to ensure full recovery and return to function. PhysioNear's network has supported 5,000+ patients through post-surgical rehab over 14 years. Average return-to-function time: 8–12 weeks with consistent physiotherapy sessions.
Physiotherapy designed for elderly patients focusing on maintaining independence, preventing falls, and managing age-related conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and balance disorders. Our gentle yet effective approach helps seniors stay active and enjoy a better quality of life. With 14 years of experience, PhysioNear has helped thousands of Malaysian seniors regain confidence in daily movement. Most patients report improved balance and reduced fall risk within 4–6 weeks.
More Hip & Groin Exercises
Hip Flexor Stretch
A standing or kneeling stretch that targets the iliopsoas and rectus femoris muscles. Tight hip flexors are extremely common in people who sit for long hours and contribute to lower back pain, anterior pelvic tilt, and hip dysfunction.
Learn moreGlute Bridge
A posterior chain strengthening exercise that activates the gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and core. Glute bridges are versatile – used for back pain relief, hip strengthening, post-surgery rehabilitation, and athletic performance improvement.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
Why are clamshell exercises important for runners?
Runners need strong gluteus medius muscles to stabilize the pelvis during single-leg stance (which occurs with every stride). Weak glute med leads to hip drop, knee valgus, and common running injuries like IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and shin splints. Clamshells are an effective way to isolate and strengthen this muscle.
How do I make clamshell exercises harder?
Progress clamshells by: adding a resistance band above the knees, holding the open position longer (5 seconds), adding a hip extension component at the top, or performing side-lying hip abduction (straight leg lifts). Only progress when you can complete 15 repetitions with perfect form.
Can clamshell exercises help with knee pain?
Yes, surprisingly, clamshells can significantly help with knee pain. Many types of knee pain (especially patellofemoral pain) are caused by weakness in the hip muscles. When the gluteus medius is weak, the thigh rotates inward, placing abnormal stress on the knee. Strengthening the hip with clamshells helps realign the entire lower limb.
These exercises are for educational purposes only. Consult a licensed physiotherapist or healthcare professional before starting any exercise program. Stop immediately if you experience pain, dizziness, or discomfort. These exercises are not a substitute for professional physiotherapy treatment.