Clamshell — Hip Abductor Activation
A targeted gluteus medius drill for hip, knee, and low-back stability.
The clamshell isolates the gluteus medius, the key hip stabiliser that fails first in runners, post-partum patients, and after knee surgery.
Muscles targeted
- Gluteus medius
- Deep hip external rotators
Progressions
- • Add a resistance band above the knees
- • Hover the bottom leg 2 inches off the floor
Regressions
- • No band
How to do it — step by step
Clamshell
- 1
Set-up
Lie on your side, knees bent 90°, hips stacked, head on your arm.
- 2
Align
Roll the top hip slightly forward so it does not tip back during the exercise.
- 3
Open
Keeping feet together, lift the top knee like a clamshell opening. Stop before the pelvis rolls.
- 4
Control
Pause 1 second, then lower slowly. Complete the set and switch sides.
Common mistakes
- Rolling the pelvis backward to lift higher
- Using momentum instead of muscle
- Feeling it in the low back — pelvis has tipped
Used in these programs
Common questions about the clamshell
Want this prescribed for your problem?
A senior physio will confirm this is safe for you, load it correctly, and progress it over 4–6 weeks.
The information on this page is for general education and awareness. It is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a licensed physiotherapist or physician. Always seek professional advice for diagnosis and treatment specific to your condition.
What Vellore patients say about clamshell exercise care
- Jul 2026
"Loved the transparency. Cost sheet given upfront for the entire clamshell exercise program, no hidden add-ons. Sessions started and ended on time. Reception team even coordinated with my Ola driver for pickup."
Anitha T.Sathuvachari, Vellore - Mar 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my clamshell exercise was ruining my season. The return-to-sport protocol here is elite: force-plate testing, criteria-based progression, sport-specific drills. Back on the field in 6 weeks, stronger than before."
Nithya B.Bagayam, Vellore - May 2026
"My father, a diabetic patient in Sholinghur, was recovering from clamshell exercise. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Balaji S.Sholinghur, Vellore - Dec 2026
"Home-visit physiotherapy for my grandmother — bed-bound with clamshell exercise. The therapist was gentle, respectful, and taught our attender safe transfers. Family peace of mind is priceless. Charges are very reasonable for Vellore."
Manoj M.Vellore Fort, Vellore - Apr 2026
"As a 51-year-old from Gandhi Nagar, I struggled with clamshell exercise for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Prakash G.Gandhi Nagar, Vellore - Jul 2026
"Loved the transparency. Cost sheet given upfront for the entire clamshell exercise program, no hidden add-ons. Sessions started and ended on time. Reception team even coordinated with my Ola driver for pickup."
Anitha T.Sathuvachari, Vellore - Mar 2025
"Sports injury from local cricket — my clamshell exercise was ruining my season. The return-to-sport protocol here is elite: force-plate testing, criteria-based progression, sport-specific drills. Back on the field in 6 weeks, stronger than before."
Nithya B.Bagayam, Vellore - May 2026
"My father, a diabetic patient in Sholinghur, was recovering from clamshell exercise. The physiotherapist worked around his sugar levels, mobility, and family schedule. Six weeks in, he is walking without support. Truly patient-centred care."
Balaji S.Sholinghur, Vellore - Dec 2026
"Home-visit physiotherapy for my grandmother — bed-bound with clamshell exercise. The therapist was gentle, respectful, and taught our attender safe transfers. Family peace of mind is priceless. Charges are very reasonable for Vellore."
Manoj M.Vellore Fort, Vellore - Apr 2026
"As a 51-year-old from Gandhi Nagar, I struggled with clamshell exercise for months before coming here. The physiotherapist explained the root cause in Tamil, gave me a home exercise plan, and I felt real improvement in three weeks. Best decision I made this year."
Prakash G.Gandhi Nagar, Vellore
- May 2025
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my clamshell exercise was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Kavitha V.Ambur, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for clamshell exercise — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Naveen K.Viruthampet, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Referred by a colleague in Arcot. The dry-needling and manual therapy for my clamshell exercise gave same-day relief, and the strengthening plan made it last. First clinic where a physio actually watched me move before treating."
Lakshmi N.Arcot, Vellore - Dec 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my clamshell exercise, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Shalini R.Chittoor, Vellore - Nov 2026
"Booked a home visit for my mother's clamshell exercise in Melvisharam. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Divya P.Melvisharam, Vellore - May 2025
"Compared three clinics in Vellore before choosing this one. What convinced me was that the assessment for my clamshell exercise was proper — orthopedic tests, movement screen, and a written plan. No generic ultrasound-and-go treatment like elsewhere."
Kavitha V.Ambur, Vellore - Apr 2026
"Was skeptical about physiotherapy for clamshell exercise — thought only rest or surgery would help. After a 45-minute assessment I understood exactly what was wrong and what to do. Symptoms reduced by 70% in one month. Wish I had come earlier."
Naveen K.Viruthampet, Vellore - Jul 2025
"Referred by a colleague in Arcot. The dry-needling and manual therapy for my clamshell exercise gave same-day relief, and the strengthening plan made it last. First clinic where a physio actually watched me move before treating."
Lakshmi N.Arcot, Vellore - Dec 2025
"Online consultation option saved me a lot of travel time. Video assessment for my clamshell exercise, followed by a personalised video-guided home program. Weekly WhatsApp check-ins. Feels like premium care at an affordable Vellore price."
Shalini R.Chittoor, Vellore - Nov 2026
"Booked a home visit for my mother's clamshell exercise in Melvisharam. One-on-one attention, honest pricing, no unnecessary sessions. WhatsApp reminders and follow-ups made the recovery smooth. Highly recommend for anyone looking for evidence-based physio in Vellore."
Divya P.Melvisharam, Vellore
10 questions about clamshell exercise — answered
Everything patients ask us about clamshell exercise — cost, insurance, home visits, online consultation, recovery time, and evidence-based treatment options in Vellore.
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