A widely used standing stretch can easily be modified to become a facilitated stretch for the iliopsoas.

1. Stand with your left leg forward and right leg back, keeping your torso upright and your low back flat.

2. Keeping your right foot flat on the floor, push forward with your right hip to lengthen the right iliopsoas. Allow your left knee to bend as you push forward. You should feel the stretch high on the front of the right thigh.

3. Isometrically contract the right iliopsoas by attempting to pull your right leg forward but keeping the foot anchored on the floor. Be sure your gluteal muscles are relaxed! Maintain the isometric contraction for 6 to 10 seconds, then relax.

4. You can now stretch the iliopsoas by pushing the right hip forward again, being sure to maintain an upright posture with your low back flat.

5. Facilitated stretches should always be pain free. If you experience pain, try repositioning your leg or use less force during the isometric contraction of the abductors. If the pain persists, don't do this stretch until you've determined why it hurts.