The effect of heat and stretching on the range of hip motion*.

Flexion, abduction, and external rotation of the hip joint were recorded in 30 volunteers randomized into three groups of 10. The measurements were taken before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after treatment of heat, stretching and a combination of heat plus stretching. Heat only did not improve the range of motion of the hip joint. Stretching increased flexion and external rotation, and heat plus stretching in combination gave the greatest increase in flexion motion, and also significantly increased abduction. External rotation after stretching treatment, and flexion and abduction after heat plus stretching treatment were still significantly increased after 30 minutes.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1984;6(2):110-115.