IntroductionWatch the videos in this section to learn the basics about this pose. The videos are narrated and provide a detailed explanation of how to perform it correctly. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot assume the perfect posture when you first begin. Take your time and practice with patience.DescriptionThis pose is a great exercise for a stretch of the entire kinetic chain involved in back pain. It stretches the calve muscles and gastrocnemius which have a myofascial and neurological connection with the lower back as well as the hamstrings and latisimus dorsi. Tightness in the hamstrings pulls on the pelvis and causes the pelvis to shift backward which increases the tension in the back muscles. Latissimus is another important muscle in back pain that is frequently overlooked. It forms a structure called thoracolumbar fascia. Thoracolumbar fascia plays a key role in human movement as it not only serves as an attachment site for numerous muscles in the lumbar, thoracic, and sacral regions but also is a major area of transition between the upper and lower extremities where forces are transferred to allow for coordinated movement.
Anatomy of the PoseWatch the slide show below to get a better understanding of the muscles targeted with this pose. Understanding the basics about the anatomy of the movement will help you orient yourself better when trying to find more information about a particular part of the body that may cause discomfort. Having a basic knowledge of muscle groups is also helpful for having a better conversation with your provider when discussing your health problems. Feel free to pause the video and expand the view for better comprehension.
Common Problems This section covers the most common problems that are encountered during this exercise. Some people have certain anatomical limitations that prevent them from assuming the correct form. Others may have less flexibility when they first try to perform the exercise. There is usually more than one solution on how to work around these common problems. This section will help you find these workarounds. It is important to pay attention to the small details to achieve maximum benefits.
