How to Stretch the Side of the Leg

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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The hip and pelvic area of the body tends to create more pain for the individual through strain from playing sports, acute or chronic injuries and aging. You can isolate the hip and pelvic area for a true and effective stretch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Decide whether you want to lie on a mat or a bed because you need stability and comfort as you position your body on its right side. As you position yourself to do the stretch, choose between resting on your elbow or staying flat on the mat, whichever seems most comfortable.
Step 2

Flex the right leg and then raise the left leg off the surface, an easy and deliberate lift with good control.
Step 3

Raise the left leg up about 12 inches high and then down, maintaining your body's position the whole time.
Step 4

Stretch the leg for no less than 5 seconds when you raise the leg 1 foot high.
Step 5

Reverse your body on to the left side and repeat the same stretch following the same steps exactly.
Step 6

Try this stretch with ankle weights to increase the difficulty level, but make sure you don't over extend yourself.

Tips & Warnings

Breathe normally and stay relaxed during the hip and pelvic stretch.
Avoid raising your leg too high; only raise the leg 12 inches high from the surface.
Keep the hips positioned so they align with the shoulders to prevent injury.
Avoid holding your breath while you stretch. Holding your breath raises your blood pressure.

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