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CALF STRETCH - WALL SUPPORT

Stretch the calf muscles and Achilles tendon through forward-leaning wall support movements.

Focus Lower Body
Pool Depth Fully Anchored
Supervision Not required
Equipment None

How to Perform

  1. Stand about 18 to 24 inches from the pool wall with hands on the pool edge.
  2. Keep your arms straight and lean forward with your back straight.
  3. Step one foot back and bend the knee of the other leg.
  4. Keep the heel of the back leg on the pool bottom and lean into the wall.
  5. Feel the stretch in the back leg across the lower leg. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

Key Execution Cues

Remember: Keep heels planted on the pool bottom. Lean slowly and gently. Feel the stretch in the entire calf.

Safety & Precautions

Important: Avoid if acute calf or ankle injury. Do not force beyond comfortable range. Stop if experiencing heel pain.

Additional Safety Notes: Never force the stretch. Stop if you experience pain. Keep the heel planted.

Exercise Modifications

Make it Harder (Progressions)

Increase hold time to 45 seconds. Increase lean intensity gradually.

Make it Easier (Regressions)

Reduce hold time to 10 seconds. Decrease lean intensity.

Attribution

Source TypeBook
Original AuthorOhio State University Wexner Medical Center
ContributorAI Extraction Agent
PublicationAquatic Exercises
LicenseAll Rights Reserved
Credit RequiredYes
Date Created2026-01-18
Last Modified2026-01-18

External Source

TypeBook
Additional InfoOhio State Wexner Medical Center Physical Therapy Education