Trigger Point Therapy - Transversus Abdominis
Abdominal Pain and Trigger Points - Overview
All abdominal muscles work on a moment-to-moment basis as we move, providing the tension required to translate forces from the lower limbs to the upper limbs.
Transversus Abdominis - Common Trigger Point Sites
The transversus abdominis is the deepest of these muscles, and each one (right and left) wraps up the organs horizontally.
Transversus abdominis fascial attachments include the lumbar vertebrae, ribcage, iliac crest, and inguinal ligament. The muscle also connects directly into the linea alba, furnishing a link between the xiphoid process, pyramidalis, and pubic bone.
The transversus abdominis therefore provides essential support for the internal organs, as well as tensional support and lift for the L2–L3 lumbar vertebrae.
Pain from trigger points is typically experienced across the upper abdomen, with a focus on the xiphoid process. Patients can also experience a marked enthesitis along the inferior costal margin.
Coughing is especially distressing.
Lower Fibers - Pain Pattern
Origin
Anterior two-thirds of iliac crest. Lateral third of inguinal ligament. Thoracolumbar fascia. Costal cartilages of lower six ribs. Fascia covering iliopsoas.
Insertion
Xiphoid process and linea alba via an abdominal aponeurosis, the lower fibers of which ultimately attach to the pubic crest and pecten pubis via the conjoint tendon.
Action
Compresses abdomen, helping to support abdominal viscera against pull of gravity.
Nerve
Ventral rami of thoracic nerves, T7– T12, ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerves.
Basic Functional Movement
Important during forced expiration, sneezing, and coughing. Helps maintain good posture.
Referred Pain Patterns
Costal margin: local quadrant pain, often radiating into anterior abdomen.
Suprapubic: local pain, often radiating medially and inferiorly to testes.
Indications
Groin pain, testicular pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, discogenic pain from the lumbar spine, lower crossed pattern, bedwetting in children.
Causes
Direct trauma (commonly from overexertion during sports), poor sit-up technique, prolonged cross-legged sitting, coughing, emotional stress, may be related to back pain, post-surgical (abdominal).
Differential Diagnosis
Visceral pathology including: renal, hepatic, pancreatic, diverticular disease, colitis, appendicitis, hiatus hernia, peritoneal disease—pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian, bladder, testicular pathology, e.g. varicocele, nonspecific urethritis.
Connections
External oblique, internal oblique, rectus abdominis, pyramidalis.
Advice
Self-stretch and strengthen to stabilize lumbar spine and support vascular activities. Posture and tone.
Other pages on our website that you might like:
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This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.
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