Jackknife-Position: Dehnübung in der Physiotherapie, kein chirurgischer Eingriff

The jackknife position (also called the “jackknife stretch” or “pike stretch”) is a physical therapy and flexibility exercise—not a surgical procedure.

How It’s Performed

• Patient sits on a mat/plinth with legs extended.
• Hinge forward at the hips, reaching toward the toes.
• Targets: hamstrings, gastrocnemius/soleus, posterior spinal musculature, neural tension (sciatic nerve glide).

Clinical Uses

• Hamstring flexibility assessment and training.
• Neurodynamic testing (slump test variant).
• Posterior chain mobility for athletes, low back pain, postural syndromes.

Caution: Avoid in acute disc herniation, severe hamstring strain, or uncontrolled hypertension. Always perform under qualified guidance.