Tight hamstrings require regular stretching. But what is the best way to do this? Should I point my feet or bend my feet when I stretch my hamstring muscles? Either way is correct, depending on what you want to accomplish. A traditional sports stretch typically isolates the muscle and stretches it. When stretching the hamstring this way you would point your toes (like a ballerina) to elongate or relax your hamstring muscles. But in daily living activities the hamstrings do not operate in isolation. The hamstrings are often stretched with a series of soft tissues stretching from the back of the neck and along the back of the body and legs to the feet. To increase the ease of these functional activities (like getting into your car or even regular walking) when you stretch your hamstrings, you should flex your feet, as in point them up. Remember regular stretching helps to prevent injury!

Doug Christie
www.dougchristiephysiotherapy.com