Massage of the quadratus lumborum and gluteus medius

Introduction to therapeutic massage

Therapeutic massage can contribute significantly to relieving pain in many conditions of the lumbar spine (lower back area). More specifically, for pain caused by muscular impairment, if the correct muscle is targeted, the pain can be properly treated in order to obtain optimal and lasting results. Two major muscles, the quadratus lumborum and the gluteus medius, play an important role in stabilizing and supporting the lower back and hips. When a change occurs in the biomechanics of these muscles due to incorrect movement, exertion, or fatigue, several problems can occur, such as: pain in the lumbar area, stiffness, and/or reduced mobility.

Massage of the quadratus lumborum

The muscle stretches across the lower back and is made up of several layers. This muscle is an extensor of the spine, allowing you to arch your back backward (extension). The muscle also helps you turn to the side. The quadratus lumborum muscle can become tense, stiff, strained, and/or painful when you perform certain daily activities, such as:

Lifting that requires bending over something, for example: taking groceries out of your car's trunk;

Bending over a sink, while washing dishes;

Slouching in a chair;

Running on an uneven sidewalk.

A sharp pain in the lumbar area can indicate a shortening of the muscle (muscle contracture). Sometimes a dull, constant pain combined with a degree of stiffness may be felt. The muscle can also develop painful trigger-point-type nodules that can cause nerve entrapment within the fibers, or may be subjected to direct trauma causing lower back pain. The muscle needs to be stretched and massaged simultaneously by the therapist to reduce pain.

Massage of the gluteus medius

The gluteus medius is a posterior hip muscle (gluteal). This muscle is a hip abductor, allowing you to raise your thigh and leg to the side, for example, when getting out of the car. It is also responsible for keeping the hips level while standing on one leg (an integral part of walking). The biomechanics of the hip and spine are interconnected, so a problem with the hip muscles can cause pain in the lumbar area. The gluteus medius can become painful for several reasons, such as:

Repeated trauma to the muscle from running on soft surfaces;

Overuse of exercises or equipment for hip abduction;

Intense physical activity;

Previous injury to the muscle;

Muscular pain of the gluteus medius mainly affects the lumbar and gluteal area. Pain may also be felt in the posterior part of the thigh. Stiffness and fatigue are also present, limiting the range of movement.

Except in situations where a specific muscle is affected, in which case it requires additional attention, in most cases when we deal with pain in the lumbar area, it is caused by the involvement of several muscles. That is why, in order to benefit from the best results, we will focus through massage and manual therapy on the lumbar area, the gluteal area, and the posterior area of the thighs as well. The massage will include relaxation maneuvers, stretches, and pressure meant to increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the muscle tissue, improve muscle tone and elasticity, as well as maintain and stimulate the quality of the muscle fibers.

Centrokinetic is the place where you will find answers and clear solutions for your movement problems. The clinic dedicated to osteoarticular conditions is divided into the following specialized departments:

Orthopedics, a department made up of a highly experienced team of orthopedic doctors, led by Dr. Andrei Ioan Bogdan, senior physician in orthopedics-traumatology, with surgical activity at Medlife Orthopedic Hospital, specialized in sports traumatology and in ankle and foot surgery.

Pediatric orthopedics, where children's sports conditions (ligament and meniscus injuries), spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, hyperlordosis), and foot deformities (hallux valgus, hallux rigidus, clubfoot, flat valgus foot, cavus foot) are treated.

Neurology, which has a state-of-the-art department, where consultations, electroencephalograms (EEG), and electromyographies (EMG) are performed.

Medical recovery for adults and children, a department specialized in the recovery of performance athletes, in spinal conditions, in the recovery of children with neurological and traumatic conditions. Our experience is extremely extensive, having treated over 5000 performance athletes.

Medical imaging, the clinic being equipped with ultrasound and MRI, high-performance devices dedicated to musculoskeletal conditions, and complemented by an experienced team of radiologists: Dr. Sorin Ghiea and Dr. Cosmin Pantu, specialized in musculoskeletal imaging.

Find out the latest news by following Centrokinetic clinic's Facebook and YouTube accounts