Commonly, patients have tightness when raising their feet upwards into Dorsiflexion, which affects their bio-mechanics and how effectively that they can run, and even walk. By stretching out their ankles, calves, and feet with two great stretches, we assist our patients in accomplishing their functional goals. These exercises are called the Gastrocnemius Stretch (a straight-knee stretch) and the Soleus Stretch (a bent-knee stretch).
The Gastrocnemius is the larger, posterior muscle within the leg. It originates at the back of the femur and patella and is attached to the Achilles tendon, along with the Soleus. The Gastrocnemius is responsible for providing the propelling force for actions like running and jumping.
Lying just beneath the Gastrocnemius is the Soleus. The Soleus originates from the upper portions of the tibia and fibula, the bones of the lower leg, and joins the Gastrocnemius to attach to the Achilles tendon. The Soleus is responsible for flexion of the ankle joint, especially when the knee is bent, therefore extending the foot downward.
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