Home
Health Encyclopedia
Print
Search Clinical Content Search Patient Health Library
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings

Heel Cord (Gastrocnemius) Stretch (Flexibility)

  1. Stand facing a wall from 3 feet away. Take one step toward the wall with your right foot.
  2. Place both palms on the wall. Bend your right knee.
  3. Lean forward, keeping the left leg straight and the left heel on the floor.
  4. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat 2 to 3 times, or as instructed.
  5. Another technique is to hold the stretch 5 seconds and then, in stretched position, contract the calf muscle pushing into the wall for 5 seconds. Repeat 2 to 3 times.
  6. Switch legs and repeat.
Woman leaning hands on wall doing calf stretch.

Online Medical Reviewer: Elizabeth Oswald PT DPT
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 9/1/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by Krames by WebMD Ignite
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.

These resources and their content are provided by a third party for informational purposes and do not necessarily reflect the values and positions of Ascension, its ministries, or its subsidiaries.

About StayWell | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

The Services may integrate with Third-Party Apps or contain third-party content or provide links to third-party websites. For example, the Services may integrate with Third-Party App providers to provide you with information. You authorize Ascension to transmit information about You to and receive information about You from applicable third parties.
You agree that Ascension is not responsible for Third-Party Apps, third-party content or third-party websites, and does not make any endorsements, representations or warranties regarding the same. Your use thereof is at Your own risk and subject to the third party’s terms and conditions, as applicable. By using a Third-Party App or third-party content or websites, You agree to the applicable third party’s terms and conditions, even if Ascension does not present them to You at the time of Your use.