By: Anthony Campo
Another common area for pain and dysfunction is the entire hip, abdomen and groin area. The low back could also be thrown into this mix, however the structures of the back add in exponentially more complexity, so we will save that discussion for another day.
Just to recap this article is specifically referring to the treatment of trigger points that can be used to create some immediate relief of symptoms short term so that the actual imbalances can be addressed long term.
The first area I look at when someone is suffering in the hip/abdomen/ groin area is the window where the psoas and quadratus lumborum come together. When there is a knot or adhesion in this window, this again can start a game of tug of war. This usually results in pain and dysfunction if the issue is not addressed and usually translates into abdominal, hip flexor or low back pain. Two good indicators of whether or not this is a problem area is first to see if it hurts to take a deep breathe (Since this window directly attaches to the “false” ribs,) or if there is a paining/burning sensation with deep direct pressure to the psoas.
I will work into this window and up and down the psoas using my hands or a soft tissue implement through the anterior core trying to get the muscles to “release.” If you can get the muscles to relax and the symptoms subside then this is most likely a trigger point for your symptoms. In my experience pain and symptoms often get referred distally down the chain of movement. This means that dysfunction in the hip or back resulting partly from an adhesion in the psoas/QL window can even cause pain down into the calf or feet over time. It is imperative that you assess and address dysfunction both short term and long term to prevent pain or injury from occurring in the first place.
In Part IV, the final part of this article I will address trigger points that can be causing pain and dysfunction in the knees.