STRAIGHT LEG RAISING WITH ANKLE DORSIFLEXION

STRAIGHT LEG RAISING WITH ANKLE DORSIFLEXION

This the technique is used to mobilize the sciatic nerve, which causes sciatica when under undue tension or gets compressed due to some underlying causes.

image 1

image 2

1. Get down in a supine position, lift the involved leg straight up in a straight leg raise(SLR)position, and take your feet towards you (dorsiflexion)

2. Once you find the position that places the tension on the involved area, maintain that stretch position and then move one of the joints a few degrees in and out of the stretch position for 5 times, such as ankle in and out (ankle plantarflexion and dorsiflexion) i.e., image 1 or knee up and down (knee flexion and extension) i.e., image 2

3. Relax and take your leg down on the mat.

4. Repeat for 3 times.

VARIATIONS

• Ankle dorsiflexion with eversion places more tension on the tibial tract

• Ankle dorsiflexion with inversion places more tension on the sural nerve

• Ankle plantarflexion with inversion places more tension on the common peroneal tract

• Straight leg raise with hip adduction, internal rotation, and dorsiflexion increases tension on the sciatic nerve

• Neck flexion with a straight leg, raise stretches the nervous system

If you feel any discomfort or increase in pain then stop performing the exercise and consult your physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis.