Hip Flexor: Release and Lengthening Course

Hip Flexor: Release and Lengthening is organized by Brookbush Institute.

Course Description:
This course describes hip flexor release and lengthening, commonly referred to as hip flexor foam rolling, hip flexor release with ball, hip flexor stretching, and hip flexor mobility techniques. Although terms like tight muscle, muscle tightness, tight hips, and tight hip flexors are commonly used, it may be more accurate to label these muscles as prone to over-activity (e.g. hypertonic, phasic). Performing hip flexor release and lengthening techniques to increase mobility prior to activation, integration, and strengthening techniques may significantly enhance rehabilitation and performance programs. In practice, the release of the tensor fascia latae (TFL), vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and adductors, mobilizing the hip joint, and integrating a kneeling hip flexor stretch, active hip flexor stretch, and/or standing adductor stretch, is likely to improve hip mobility and improve the effectiveness of exercises like gluteus medius clams, glute bridges, deadlift touchdowns, etc. Hip flexor over-activity has been correlated with altered lower extremity alignment, an anterior pelvic tilt, lower crossed syndrome, loss of hip flexor strength, loss of hip extensor strength, low back pain, groin pain, hip pain, knee pain, an increased risk of future injury, and a loss of sports performance. Sports medicine professionals (personal trainers, fitness instructors, physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, etc.) should add these exercises to their repertoire to improve the outcomes of their integrated exercise programs and therapeutic (rehabilitation) interventions

Behavioral Objectives
• Students will be prepared to pass a final exam by choosing from a list of potential answers to behavior-objective matched multiple-choice questions.
• Apply at least 6 of the techniques covered in this course to practice, based on a patient scenario
• Explain how at least 3 of the research studies cited have refined the selection, application and implementation of the techniques covered
• Identify the movement impairments that may be associated with excessive hip flexion
• List 3 of the commonly over-active muscles associated with excessive hip flexion (inadequate/restricted hip extension)
• Deduce/synthesize a hypothesis regarding the effect this technique will have on outcome measures and the appropriate test for re-assessment.
• Design an intervention plan including these techniques with the intent of affecting an objectively measured functional outcome.
• Describe the functional benefits (including impact on performance, occupation or daily tasks) that may be expected from implementing the intervention plan.