Can physiotherapy aid in sitting with crossed legs?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am 27 years old male. I am unable to sit crossed legs, also unable to sit with straight legs. While trying to sit crossed legs, I am unable to keep my back straight and also left knee does not touch the ground completely and I tend to fall backward. Similarly while sitting with straight legs I need a support on my back else I have to bend my knee. If I try to sit without support, again I tend to fall backward. Please help. Can this issue be resolved by physiotherapy? Any specific treatment or advice?

Answered by Thomas Jefferson K

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The problem you are suffering from is because of excessive use of chairs while sitting. The reason you are not able to sit with your knees close to the floor maybe because of the tightness of the muscles on the inner side of your thigh which needs stretching. It may also be because of the structure of your hip joint.

The reason you are in need of a back support when you sit with your legs straight is because of hamstring muscle tightness. If you stretch your hamstring muscles you will be able to sit with your legs straight without any back support.

For more information consult a physiotherapist online.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Please suggest the required treatment.

Answered by Thomas Jefferson K

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  1. For hamstring stretching: While seated, you need to stretch both the legs and try to reach the toes. Hold the position for 30 seconds and relax. Repeat it three times. Do not force yourself to touch the toes if you are not able to reach the first time. You should feel comfortable stretch in the hamstring muscle while stretching. Take at least a month to reach the toes.
  2. To reach the knees to the floor while sitting cross-legged on the floor, you need to stretch the adductors of the thigh. For this you need to stand with your legs apart and then lean over to one side as you look forwards. You can try adductor stretch or groin stretch.

For more information consult a physiotherapist online.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Any X-ray required to further examine the condition? Also, I have flat feet too. Does this contribute to the muscle stiffness?

Answered by Thomas Jefferson K

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

No, X-rays are not needed. If anything is needed an MRI will help. Just wait and do the exercises.

For more information consult a physiotherapist online.

Answered byThomas Jefferson K

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 21, 2018
Reviewed AtApril 22, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Thomas Jefferson K
Thomas Jefferson K

Physiotherapy

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

How to find out the reason for extreme sweating, muscle stiffness and cramp?

I am 5'7" in height. Kindly advice me to reach the height above 5'9".

What are the ways to manage generalized anxiety with DPDR and muscle stiffness?

Apart from anti-inflammatory medicine, what should I do for plantar fasciitis?

Read answers about:

stretching exercisesmuscle stiffness

Ask your health query to a Wellness Expert online

Physiotherapy

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy