Essential Medical Massage & Wellness
2301 Ohio Dr, Ste 214, Plano, TX 75093
Health Blog
Posted on August 20, 2013 at 12:13 PM |
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There are several muscles that play a part of your low back pain, however, one group in particular makes the cut as one of the biggest culprits. Before we get there, allow me to say that a common assumption of low back pain is that it must be caused by a structural issue in the lumbar spine, such as arthritis, a herniated disk, compressed nerve, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, etc. While these are common conditions that need ruling out (usually with diagnostic evidence), it is just as important to rule out a common soft tissue malady. You could possibly save time, money, and hassle trying to find structural issues when the problem could be a result of muscular trigger points referring the pain. The gluteus medius muscle is a very strong and thick muscle, lying underneath the larger gluteus maximus. Its primary function is to allow you to walk upright. With each step you take, the gluteus medius muscles take turns supporting the pelvis and supporting the entire weight of the upper body. Due to their leverage at the hip, the gluteus medius muscles must generate a force equal to more than twice the body weight. That's right, more than double the body weight! Any additional demands placed on the gluteus medius will only compound the load that they must carry with each and every step. Carrying extra weight, whether it be in an overweight individual or a pregnant woman, for example, often times results in the 'waddle' walk. This is the body's way of trying to maintain good body mechanics under the circumstances of overloading. Here are other potential causes of gluteus medius trigger points: -weight lifting -running -falls -aerobic exercise -habitual weight bearing on one side of body (such as carrying a baby on one hip) -standing or sitting still for long periods of time -lifting heavy items without properly supporting with both legs -obesity -*weak gluteal muscles - and more. These are things to consider when dealing with lower back pain. If you have not tried an experienced massage session, focusing on the gluteals, now is the time. Pain relief can come sooner than you think. To schedule online, visit *See gluteal strengthening videos now: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA-0qiNgcpk) |
Posted on June 20, 2011 at 11:45 AM |
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Psoas
(pronounced, 'so-az') muscle!
I love talking about the psoas, iliacus...AKA, hip flexors. If you
suffer from low back pain, sit a lot through out the day, have tight
quads, and stiff knees, then you probably have tight hip flexors.
Stretch these muscles daily and you will discover less pain. Here is one great example of psoas/hip flexor stretch with release of trigger points prior to the stretch: |
Posted on May 12, 2011 at 8:41 PM |
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