Muscles
Rectus abdominis
Flexes the trunk; stabilizes the pelvis.
Overview
Flexes the trunk; stabilizes the pelvis. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.
Trigger point locations
Vertical strap from sternum and ribs to pubis.
Referred pain pattern
Mid-back and lower-back pain, urinary urgency-like sensations, abdominal cramps.
Palpation & testing
Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.
Common causes
Sit-ups overload, post-surgical scarring, postural collapse.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Stretching into extension, breathing retraining. Clinically: manual release and needling.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction