Muscles
Internal oblique
Rotates the trunk to the same side; assists trunk flexion.
Overview
Rotates the trunk to the same side; assists trunk flexion. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Deep to external oblique on the lateral abdominal wall.
Referred pain pattern
Groin, lower abdomen, and pubic region.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Athletic groin overload, sit-ups, asymmetric loading.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Anti-rotation core work, breathing retraining. Clinically: needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction