
If someone has any kind of pelvic rotation or shift, one side can very easily become overloaded (I know this from experience as I strained my left QL pretty badly). If the diaphragm and breathing patterns are off course, the QL can be overloaded. If psoas is off course, the QL can be overloaded. If something is off in the foot, the QL can be overloaded. I think you get the idea, there are many situations that can cause overload of this muscle. To add to that, if it is weak, it becomes even easier to have problems.
When this muscle strains or spasms, it is a pretty unbearable pain. If you've ever heard someone say that their back went out on them or they got the wind knocked out of them, they probably had an episode with their QL. All that being said, we ideally want the QL to work in conjunction with the obliques, glutes, diaphragm, psoas, adductors and deep rotators to provide adequate support for the pelvis and spine with walking, running, squatting, deadlifting, rotating and standing. When things aren't in good harmony, this muscle can develop some nasty trigger points and adhesions that can cause nagging, annoying and sometimes debilitating pain that can cause plenty of movement and mental problems with many activities. So today I am going to show you a great way to perform some self release on this muscle. As I've said with other things we've talked about, you can release this and you will have some relief, but you absolutely need to figure out what is causing the problem here so that you can prevent problems going forward. Most commonly, glute med and diaphragm need work along with proper fundamental movement patterning to prevent further issues. If it needs to get stronger or more endurable, exercises like side bridges, side holds and offset farmers carries can get you started. Get an assessment and take care of the root.
Give this a shot and hopefully you can get yourself on the road to feeling and performing better.