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Physio Energy

Muscles

Rectus abdominis

Flexes the trunk; stabilizes the pelvis.

Referred pain map

Rectus abdominis
Rectus abdominis — lower trigger points can refer to the pelvis and mimic dysmenorrhea; the pyramidalis (bottom illustration) shares this pattern.
Rectus abdominis
Rectus abdominis — upper (TrP1) and lower (TrP2) trigger points refer pain horizontally across the mid- and lower back; lower-right fibers can also mimic appendicitis pain at McBurney's point.

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
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