Hamstring Stretch (Lying Down)

Stretching the hamstrings lying down as opposed to standing up helps decrease the chance of exacerbating low back pain or significant knee problems (such as a meniscal tear or advanced arthritis) during the stretch. In a doorway, lie on your back, taking care to support your low back with a pillow or your hand; place one leg through the doorway and the other on the door frame with the knee slightly bent, feeling the stretch in the posterior thigh (figure 4.11). Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds and repeat 3 to 5 times. Do this stretch on the opposite side.

Fig 4.11 Hamstring Stretch