Trigger Point Therapy - Rectus Abdominis Trigger Points
Rectus Abdominis - Trigger Points
Active Trigger Points in the Rectus Abdominis muscles can refer pain to back and across the mid-line.
Whereas trigger points typically refer pain to the side of the body in which they are located, rectus abdominis trigger points are known to sometimes refer pain bilaterally.
These trigger points are relatively common and may develop either as a result of sedentary lifestyle or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, as a result of over-use or poor exercise technique.
In many cases pain will be referred to the lower and mid back.
In other cases, pain will be referred across the mid-line and turn out to be the cause of pain that could easily be mistaken for the symptoms of more serious conditions such as stomach ulcers or appendicitis.
As always, more serious pathologies should be ruled out before you go hunting for trigger points as the cause of any stomach or back pain.
Rectus Abdominis - Common Trigger Point Sites
Self Help Exercise
Here's a terrific yoga exercise that we often recommend to clients.
This exercise will be well known to anyone who practices yoga, but really anyone should be able to perform this exercise safely and effectively, with a little bit of practice.
Technique
Lie on the back, with knees bent with toes pointing forward. Hands rest on the knees. Inhale, then exhale as the spine flexes and the nose moves toward the knees.
Inhale and stretch the legs away, then exhale and bring them back. Inhale and roll down.
Repeat three or four times.
Helpful Hints
Use the rectus abdominis to flex the spine, and the SCM to flex the neck. The spine is stretched, as well as the gluteal muscles.
This posture is especially good to perform as part of your preparation before exercise, to help warm the core.
As always, take it slowly, ease into the exercise and use common sense.
If you haven't performed any exercise for a while, or if you have any type of injury, seek advice from a suitably qualified healthcare practitioner before you start!
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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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