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Static Hip Abduction in Lying
Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees and a non-elastic belt looped around your thighs just above the knees. Gently press your legs apart into the belt and hold. You may feel gentle, deep tension at the sides of your hips.
Stop if
If symptoms are aggravated, reduce the activity and exercises to let pain settle, then build up again gently, and contact a physiotherapist if in doubt or if pain is not improving.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
- Works at home
- Works at the gym
Home Options
- pillow or cushion + strap or belt
Dosage
1
Sets
20 sec
Reps / Time
30 sec
Rest
controlled
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- East Sussex: hold the press for 5 seconds and repeat 5 to 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day in week 1 to 3. Worcestershire: hold for 5, 10 or 15 seconds (circled as appropriate) with reps/sets left for the treating clinician to set.
- Stay within a comfortable effort: start from light effort and progress towards hard, staying in the green or amber zone; keep no more than 3 to 4 out of 10 discomfort during the static holds.

Step 1 of 3
Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. Loop a non-elastic belt around your thighs just above the knees, with your feet just past hip-width apart.

Step 2 of 3
Gently press your legs apart into the resistance of the belt and hold.

Step 3 of 3
Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees. Loop a non-elastic belt around your thighs just above the knees, with your feet just past hip-width apart.
What you should feel
Gentle, deep tension on the sides of the hips.
Breathing
- Breathe normally.
Safety Information
Some discomfort is acceptable during these static holds: no more than 3 to 4 out of 10 on a pain scale. Keep a steady isometric hold, not any pain response. If symptoms are aggravated, reduce activity and exercises to let pain settle, then build up again gently, and contact a physiotherapist if in doubt or if pain is not improving. Stop if the exercise causes pain or you become unwell. Seek appropriate professional advice about symptoms or suitability.
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.