Hamstring Mobilisers
How much do you stretch your hamstrings? Probably, a lot, but many dancers get frustrated because no matter how much they stretch, their hamstrings never seem to get more mobile. The reason for this is that quite often the issue is not actually your hamstring muscles! Far more often, the restriction is in the fascial network and will not respond to regular static stretching. So, how do we work on our mobility?
If you ask dancers to “stretch their hamstrings”, 99% of the time they will sit with their legs straight out in front of them and then stretch in turnout. Very very rarely will dancers ever to think to stretch their hamstrings in parallel or in internal rotation. Mobilising the fascia of the whole leg is incredibly beneficial as it will open up the whole Superficial Back Line. This will allow all of the tissues to slide in relation to each other and let you finally achieve your full range.
Watch the video below to learn exactly how to mobilise your fascia to get more flexible and prepared for class!
Be conscious of where you feel tension and be sure to give these areas a few extra mobilisations to free them up.
About LisaHowell
I am the Owner and Director of Perfect Form Physiotherapy and The Ballet Blog, two businesses aimed at educating, healing and empowering dancers through two different channels. PFP aims to provide the highest quality of healthcare to dancers, in a nurturing environment, while The Ballet Blog provides an online knowledge base and resources that help dancers heal themselves.
I discovered a love of dance, and of helping others heal, at a very early age and started massaging my family at just 8 years old. Although I never became a professional ballerina, my future was set when I discovered Physiotherapy for dancers.
In the past decade, I have built a worldwide following and a large collection of books, DVDs and websites, along with two physio clinics in Sydney, Australia, all based on education to prevent injury and maximising performance rather than waiting for injury to occur. My strong history in classical dance has made me internationally respected among young and professional dancers, their parents and dance teachers.
I am committed to using my knowledge and experience to bring attention to the changes that the dance industry needs to make by developing programs to educate and inspire young dancers. At the 2007 IADMS conference, my pre-pointe assessment was joint-winner of the award for making “The Greatest Contribution to Dance Medicine.” Resources such as The Perfect Pointe Book, Front Splits Fast and the Will I Ever Dance Again? programs combine my practices into inspiring educational resources to create change on both individual and industry levels.
🙁 the video wont play for me either…..