Hip Flexor Pain: Stretching Exercises Can Help
Here are two easy stretching exercises, safe for any age, from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help you avoid hip flexor pain.
- Sit up straight in a chair, hold onto the sides to maintain balance, and stretch out your leg so it’s parallel to the floor (the other leg firmly planted on the floor). Raise your extended leg waist high. Then lower your leg and return to the starting position. Perform this exercise about 15 times and then repeat with your other leg.
- While standing, raise one of your knees to your chest (or as high as possible), as if you were marching in place. Slowly bring your leg down and return to the starting position. Repeat this exercise about five times and then try it with your other knee.
You can also reduce your risk of hip flexor pain if you:
- Avoid sitting for long periods — be sure to get up and stretch your legs every hour.
- Always warm up before you exercise. If you warm up by stretching, you will be able to exercise more effectively.
- Stay conditioned by regularly doing exercises that improve muscle strength and flexibility.
If you take the time to warm up, stretch, and stay flexible, you should be able to avoid hip flexor pain.
(http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/hip-pain-exercises.aspx)
