The femoral nerve originates from our upper lumbar spine and supplies many of the muscles of the lower extremity. To assess this nerve's mobility, begin in a sidelying position and bring the knee you are laying on up towards your chest, at this point, also tuck your head down towards your chest. From here, using a stretch strap, bring the foot of the top leg up towards your mid back allowing your hip to go into hip extension and knee flexion. Once a decent stretch is felt, return your head to a forward looking position and see if symptoms subside. Repeat on the other side. Be sure to tuck your pelvis before bringing your hip into extension to be sure that excessive lumbar extension is not altering the test. Take note of how this feels side to side, where do you feel the tightness? Does it feel different? Prehab Goals & Normative Values: There should not be a significant difference side to side, the movement and allowed movement should feel even. Take the assessment, write down your score, and track your progress throughout the program.
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