- contracted hip flexors
Typically observed in individuals who spend the majority of their time seated. Consider cyclists within the category of professional athletes; cycling entails repetitive hip flexion. In cycling, the hip flexion is never completely achieved, resulting in tight hips.
Tight hips result from insufficient hip muscle stretching. As previously mentioned, extended periods of sitting can cause tight hip flexors due to the hip flexors’ state of inactivity while seated.
Different types of stretches that target the hip flexor muscles can alleviate tight hip flexors. Using the Thomas test, the flexibility of the hip flexor muscles can be determined. It can be accomplished by supinely bowing the right knee toward oneself, followed by the left knee. The legs are then alternately straightened and pulled, such that when the right leg is straightened, the left leg remains drawn in the bent position, and vice versa.
