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Beginner Prevention & Rehabilitation

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.

Duration
6 minutes
Sets & Reps
3 holds × 30 seconds each side
Difficulty
Beginner
Body Part
Hip & Groin

Equipment Needed

Cushion or folded towel for kneeling knee

Benefits

  • Lengthens tight hip flexors from prolonged sitting
  • Improves anterior pelvic tilt and posture
  • Reduces lower back pain caused by hip tightness
  • Enhances hip extension for walking and running

How to Perform

  1. 1

    Kneel on your right knee with your left foot flat on the floor in front of you (lunge position).

  2. 2

    Shift your weight forward, pushing your right hip toward the floor.

    Tip: Place a cushion under your kneeling knee for comfort.
  3. 3

    Keep your upper body upright and hold for 20–30 seconds.

  4. 4

    Switch sides and repeat on the other hip.

Safety Tips

Keep your front knee behind your toes.
Do not arch your lower back excessively.
Use a cushion under your knee if the floor is hard.
Stop if you feel sharp pain in the hip or groin area.

Who Should Avoid This Exercise

Acute groin strain or hernia
Recent hip replacement (until cleared for kneeling)
Knee joint inflammation that prevents kneeling
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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.

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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.

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Professional ergonomic assessments for workplaces and home offices across Malaysia. Our physiotherapists evaluate your workstation setup, posture habits, and movement patterns to recommend adjustments that prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve productivity. PhysioNear has provided ergonomic assessment referrals for 14 years, helping workers across all 16 states. Most workers report reduced neck and back discomfort within 2–3 weeks of implementing recommended changes.

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More Hip & Groin Exercises

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my hip flexors are tight?

Common signs of tight hip flexors include: lower back pain that worsens when standing, difficulty standing upright after sitting, a forward-tilting pelvis (belly sticking out), and discomfort in the front of the hip when walking. The Thomas test, which a physiotherapist can perform, is the gold standard assessment.

Should I stretch my hip flexors every day?

Yes, daily hip flexor stretching is recommended, especially if you sit for long periods. The hip flexors adapt to a shortened position during sitting, so daily stretching helps counteract this. Holding each stretch for 30 seconds on each side is sufficient for maintenance.

Can tight hip flexors cause sciatica?

Tight hip flexors do not directly cause sciatica, but they can contribute to it indirectly. Tight hip flexors create anterior pelvic tilt and increased lumbar lordosis, which can compress the lumbar discs and nerve roots. Stretching the hip flexors as part of a complete program can help alleviate sciatic symptoms.

Professionally reviewed
| Reviewed by Mohd Fikri bin Hassan, BSc Physiotherapy (UniSZA), MSc Rehabilitation Science |

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.