Osteopath Stretching Exercises

Osteopaths are doctors that are trained to treat the whole person. Their professional title is "Doctor of Osteopathy," thus the "D.O." you sometimes see following a doctor's name instead of the more familiar "M.D." Osteopathic doctors look at the relationship between the musculoskeletal system and a patient's symptoms. They treat patients with a hands-on approach to manipulate structural abnormalities. Osteopaths will often prescribe stretches for their patients to do at home.

  1. Lower Back Stretches

    • Osteopaths may recommend particular stretches to alleviate your specific condition. Many of these stretches are for the lower back and surrounding areas. Tight hamstrings can cause pain in the lower back. Extend your legs straight on the floor in a seated position. Touch your right foot to the wall and bend your left knee. Bend forward at your waist and reach over your right leg for your foot. You will feel a stretch all down the back of your leg. Hold the stretch for five seconds and then sit back up. Do five reps and then repeat on the left leg.

    Abdominal Stretches

    • Stretching your abdominal muscles and upper back is also recommended. You can stretch the sides of your abdominals and back by sitting with your back against a wall. Extend your legs in front of you and raise your arms over your head. Bend your left leg and pull it into you so that your left knee is on the floor and your left foot is near your right thigh. Twist your shoulders toward your right leg and lean sideways keeping your spine straight. Do this three times on each side.

    Legs Stretch

    • Some the prescribed stretches will focus on the legs and may cross over into stretches that affect your lower back. The hamstrings stretch is one leg stretch that may help you, but the front of your legs also can be stretched. The quads are the muscles in the front of your thighs. You can stretch them by standing on one leg facing a wall. Place your hand on the wall for balance. Stand on your left leg to stretch your right quad. Bend your right knee. Use your right hand to grab your right ankle and pull it toward your buttocks. Use your left hand to touch the wall. Hold the stretch for five seconds and do three reps. Then stretch the left leg.