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Block 1

Sep 2, 2025

Summary

  • The meeting provided detailed, step-by-step breakdowns of multiple assisted stretch protocols targeting glute, low back, hamstring, abductor, IT band, glute/piriformis, and adductor (butterfly) muscle groups.
  • For each stretch, the facilitator emphasized client positioning, practitioner posture, stabilization techniques, points of contact, and specific cues for both static and contract-relax (PNF) phases.
  • Key safety and comfort considerations for both client and practitioner were articulated, and sequencing of stretches within a session was clarified.
  • No administrative or business matters were discussed; the entire conversation focused on best practices and physical technique instruction for flexibility training professionals.

Action Items

  • No explicit action items or owners were mentioned in the transcript.

Glute and Low Back Stretch

  • Ensure the client is positioned at the edge of the table with proper stabilization; adjust their arm for comfort.
  • Practitioner should use a half-kneel position, aligning shoulders with the client and keeping the support knee in front of the hip.
  • Use the base of the palm for stabilization above the heel and behind the knee; maintain a neutral spine.
  • Stretch is initiated by the practitioner falling forward with the body, not pushing with the arm.
  • Cue client for a contract-relax (PNF) sequence: client presses foot into the practitioner's chest for 3 seconds, relaxes, then the stretch is deepened to a 5–7/10 tension, held for 20 seconds before a controlled exit and muscle shake.

Kneel Hamstring Stretch

  • Secure the client’s heel and support behind the knee; practitioner uses a wide base with lead foot outside the client’s hip.
  • Rotate (pre-rotate) the hips for optimal stretch range before beginning.
  • Stack practitioner’s joints for optimal leverage; ensure three points of contact (under heel, above patella, foot to outside of client’s leg) for safety and stability.
  • Guide client’s leg toward their midline and maintain neutral spine during stretch.
  • PNF: client presses heel into practitioner’s palm for 5 seconds, then practitioner deepens the stretch upon relaxation.
  • Practitioner exits the stretch by supporting the heel and knee, offering a shake-out.

Straight Leg Abductor Stretch

  • Begin with client’s leg flush at the edge of the table (test bounce for relaxation).
  • Two starting positions explained: one for highly flexible clients, another for universal application with heel hooked on table edge.
  • Practitioner rotates client’s hip before entering the stretch, using wide, evenly pointed stance to prevent self-imbalance.
  • Three points of contact: at the knee, ankle, and practitioner’s leg.
  • To reduce pinching in clients with high external rotation, adjust leg positioning closer to the body’s plane.
  • PNF: client presses leg back into practitioner’s body for 5 seconds, then relaxes as practitioner deepens the stretch.
  • Controlled exit involves shuffling feet to maintain leverage, supporting the knee, and shaking out the muscle.

IT Band Stretch

  • Practitioner positions own knee between client’s hip and knee, with foot outside the table; client slides over until contacting practitioner’s leg.
  • Pre-rotate hips to ensure the correct target (IT band vs. low back).
  • Lead foot and grounded foot provide stability; neutral spine and wide base maintained.
  • Externally rotate client’s leg and foot before bringing it across the body; target heel to practitioner’s pectoral ridge.
  • Three points of contact (above knee, at ankle, and practitioner’s leg); use elbow weight for foot inversion and IT band emphasis.
  • PNF involves client rotating hip down toward table for 5 seconds, which creates IT band lengthening.
  • To deepen stretch, practitioner angles body and “falls” into stretch rather than pressing.
  • Exit through pivoting, frictioning as needed, and controlling intensity with gentle shaking.

Glute and Piriformis Stretch (Off Table Interlace)

  • Practitioner positions client 3–5 inches away from table edge based on leg length.
  • Leg is brought across practitioner’s lateral side with pre-rotation of hips; practitioner interlaces arms to secure limb.
  • Client’s foot location varies based on practitioner height; ensure comfort for both parties.
  • Practitioner stacks bones, uses base of palm for gentle pressure, and avoids thumb/finger strain.
  • Maintain symmetrical and wide stance; shuffle feet to deepen stretch while staying tall and neutral.
  • Focus is on moving the foot (not knee) and avoiding practitioner’s body rotation or excessive compression.
  • For PNF, client presses knee back toward practitioner’s hand for 5 seconds, then the stretch is deepened.
  • Comfortable exit involves supporting heel and knee, shaking limb, and frictioning lateral leg if needed.

Butterfly (Adductor) Stretch

  • Conduct all right-side stretches in block one, left-side in block two; butterfly stretch serves as a bilateral adductor stretch.
  • Client is centered on the table; practitioner cues knees-out with specific, clear language.
  • Practitioner places knees outside client’s feet for control—not for clamping.
  • Practitioner uses three points along the inner thigh to traction and gently rock legs, priming the client for stretching.
  • Practitioner’s back remains neutral, hands at proper angle matching client’s mobility, and applies pressure with base of the palm.
  • Stretch is created by stacking shoulders over hands; retreat or advance shoulder position to modulate intensity.
  • For PNF, client is cued to bring knees together for 5 seconds, then relaxes, after which practitioner can further deepen the stretch.
  • Practitioner may adjust own body and leg positions for larger clients, always ensuring clear communication and comfort.
  • Exit includes “walking out” the stretch and shaking out the legs before transitioning to the next sequence.

Decisions

  • No formal decisions were made; the session was purely instructional.

Open Questions / Follow-Ups

  • None were raised or remain pending as per the transcript.