08/13/2025
KNEE-TO-CHEST STRETCH
The knee-to-chest stretch is a gentle yet effective movement that offers multiple benefits for the lower back, hips, and pelvis. By pulling the knee toward the chest, it helps relieve tension in the lower back muscles, lengthens tight glutes, and mobilizes the hips, making it especially useful for people who sit for long periods or experience stiffness. The stretch can also increase sacroiliac (SI) joint mobility and ease mild sciatic irritation by reducing surrounding muscle tension. In addition to its physical benefits, the knee-to-chest stretch promotes relaxation by encouraging the body to release muscle guarding, making it a valuable addition to both warm-up and cool-down routines.
It’s common to feel the knee-to-chest stretch in the front of the hip at first because the movement places the hip into deep flexion, which directly involves the hip flexor muscles, especially the iliopsoas and re**us femoris. If these muscles are tight from prolonged sitting, repetitive activity, or an anterior pelvic tilt, they can create a pulling sensation when the thigh moves toward the chest. In some cases, the feeling may also come from the hip joint itself—if the femur presses against the front rim of the socket (as in femoroacetabular impingement), it can cause a pinching sensation rather than a stretch. Early on, this front-hip sensation is often just a sign of muscle or joint stiffness, and it typically eases with modifications that create more space in the hip.
I like to pair the knee-to-chest stretch with the figure-four stretch and the glute bridge exercise, since all three are performed lying on your back and target complementary muscle groups. The knee-to-chest releases the lower back and gently opens the hips, the figure-four stretch further releases tension in the glutes and deep hip rotators, and the glute bridge activates and strengthens the posterior chain. Stacking them together creates an efficient, well-rounded mini-routine that improves mobility, builds strength, and leaves your hips and lower back feeling more open and supported.