When dealing with spondylolisthesis what are some of the safest hip stretch exercises?

Question

Patients suffering from spondylolisthesis often desire to improve the flexibility and extension of their hips. However, stretching the hip externally for these patients should be done with utmost caution due to the risk of excessive strains on the sacroiliac joint and lower back. This makes the question concerning the safest means of hip extension stretching extremely pertinent and significant.

Answer 1

When it comes to dealing with spondylolisthesis, one safe method for stretching the hips is lying on your back and pulling your knees toward your chest. You can either do this for one knee at a time or two knees together. If discomfort arises during this stretch, one can hold the knees or sides of the thighs. The shoulder is held low, while the elbow poses a stretch at an angle of 90 degrees, and the shoulder position is to the side at a 45-degree angle. Stretching is held for a period of 15 to 30 seconds and repetitions are performed three to four times in a day. If comfortable, one may extend the stretch further by lifting the hips ever so slightly from the surface one is lying on.