Stretching Out The Calf Muscle – An Osteopaths Perspective
In the video below you will see osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy demonstrating a calf stretch that uses hip movement (side to side) to help facilitate a greater stretch through the calf muscles. Traditionally the calf muscles are stretched statically against the wall or by dropping a heel of the stretch purely in the anterior direction (sagittal plane). The reality is that the calf muscle does not anatomically attach and function in just the sagittal plane, therefore why do we always stretch it that way. Below is just one example of how one can move their body (side to side hip movement) to help stretch the calf across multiple planes. This is often done for time i.e. 30-60 seconds and there are many other variations one can apply to alter how the calf is stretched. Other examples involve pre positioning the foot position (foot turned in our out or by pre positioning the foot into a more relatively pronated or supinated position).
This blog post was written by Melbourne osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Melbourne Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced Melbourne osteopaths working across both of the clinics. The Melbourne City CBD osteopathy clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation. The Melbourne osteopathic Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation. To speak to your Melbourne Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.