Question

With the hip in 90 degrees of flexion, what position would BEST stretch the piriformis muscle?

A. Hip abduction
B. Lateral hip rotation
C. Medial hip rotation
D. Hip adduction

Answer 1

To stretch the piriformis muscle, the best position is medial hip rotation, applying the opposite motion of the muscle's action.

Step-by-step explanation:

To stretch the piriformis muscle with the hip in 90 degrees of flexion, the best position would be medial hip rotation. The piriformis is a lateral rotator of the femur at the hip. Thus, to stretch this muscle, one would need to apply the opposite motion, which is medial rotation. When the leg is flexed at the hip such as when it's lifted 90 degrees, medial rotation would involve rotating the thighbone inward. This action would elongate and stretch the piriformis muscle, as opposed to lateral rotation which would shorten and contract it.