Therapeutic stretching or strengthening exercises are successful only if the target muscle is probably isolated, particularly when the tissue concerned crosses more than one body segment. Problems are often encountered when stretching two joint muscles. For example, when stretching the hamstrings. Pelvic alignment needs to be controlled as well as considering hip flexion and extension components to stretch effectively.

The order is which the components are added can also influence the effect,depending on which area of the muscle's structure is to be targeted. In the case of a problem in the distal rectus femoris, one may wish to employ a stretch which extends the hip then flexes the knee, whilst proximally the components may be added alternatively.It is also important to consider the functional anatomy of the area being targeted. Using the hamstrings as an example, the medial hamstrings (semimembranosus and semitendinosus) would require a component of lateralrotation to stretch them effectively. To effectively stretch biceps femoriswould require an element of medial rotation, since it is a lateral rotator of the knee.

   Spinal  position

Many upper and lower limb muscles have their origins from the axial skeleton,so spinal position can infuence limb position. Consequently,throughout many stretching exercises it is important to consider any lumbo-pelvic or spinal movement to ensure that it is controlled throughout the exercise.Where possible there should be no spinal movement, ensuring aneutral posture is maintained throughout.