14 Quadratus Lumborum
This module teaches the release of the Quadratus Lumborum, a stabilizing muscle along the side of the lumbar spine. Spasm in this muscle can produce sharp lower back pain and restriction between the rib cage and pelvis.
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is one of the primary stabilizers of the lower back.
It connects:
• the pelvis (ilium)
• the lumbar spine• the lower ribsIts role is to:• stabilize the spine during movement• assist in lateral bending
• control rib position during breathingWhen functioning properly:
• the spine remains balanced• movement is smooth and coordinated• the rib cage and pelvis move in harmony
When the QL enters spasm:
👉 it locks the lower back
👉 restricts lateral movement
👉 creates asymmetry in posture
This is often experienced as a deep, one-sided restriction.
Step 2
The Clinical Problem
Clients commonly present with:
• stiffness when standing upright
• discomfort when bending or twisting
• a feeling of imbalance
• lateral lumbar pain - pain on the side of the low back. Not on the front; not on the back; right on the side.
They may also notice:
• one hip appearing higher than the other
• difficulty standing evenly
• tightness along the side of the waist
A key observation:
👉 the body feels pulled to one side and cannot fully relax into neutral
Spasm of the quadratus lumborum causes side-pain in the lumbar region
Step 3
Why This Happens
The quadratus lumborum is highly responsive to:
• postural imbalance
• compensation from other muscles
• uneven loading of the body
When the system becomes unbalanced:
• the QL engages to stabilize
• it works harder to maintain alignment
With repeated demand:
👉 it becomes overactive
👉 enters sustained contraction
Breathing Influence
Because the QL attaches to the lower ribs:
• it directly influences breathing mechanics
When in spasm:
• the lower rib cage becomes restricted
• breathing becomes asymmetrical
Releasology Perspective
This represents a disruption in lateral and posterior conduction.
Instead of allowing movement:
• the system becomes fixed on one side
• force is not distributed evenly
Step 4
Anatomy
The quadratus lumborum spans vertically along the lower back.
Attachments
Origin: ilium (hip bone)
Insertions:
Transverse process of L1 through L4 and inferior surface of 12th rib
Location
It sits:
• deep along the side of the lumbar spine
• between the rib cage and pelvis
It can be palpated as a thick, vertical band of tissue.
Step 5
Palpation and Tissue Assessment
Client Position
• prone or side-lying
Side-lying often allows easier access and better tissue response.
Contact
Place hands along the lateral lumbar region:
• between the rib cage and pelvis
Cross-Fiber Assessment
Move back and forth across the fibers:
• perpendicular to the vertical direction
Feel for:
• resistance
• density
• lack of glide
Tissue Quality
Restricted QL feels:
• dense
• thick
• resistant to pressure
Healthy tissue feels:
• responsive
• softer
• able to shift
Functional Observation
Observe:
space between the 12th rib and the iliac crest. When the quadratus lumborum is in spasm, the space between these two bones is minimized. Sometimes, so much that the 12th rib feels like it is touching the iliac crest and you can barely get your hand between these two bones. The space between these two bones is neither on the anterior or posterior of the body. Feel that the spinal muscles are much further in the back of the body. Also, through palpation, notice that the abdominal muscles are much more anterior than the muscle one you should be able to feel between the 12th rib and the iliac crest. This is always clearly the quadratus lumborum. Do you feel it?
Observe:
• symmetry of the lower back
• rib movement during breathing
Restriction often presents as:
👉 one side moving less than the other
Step 6
Neurological Consequences
When the QL is in spasm:
• the nervous system maintains protective tension
• movement becomes guarded
• asymmetry increases
Functional Effects
• reduced mobility
• uneven loading of the spine
• persistent low back discomfort
Systemic Influence
Because the QL stabilizes the spine:
• dysfunction here affects overall posture
• other muscles compensate
• patterns can spread throughout the body
Releasology Perspective
This is a disruption in lateral stability, respiration and conduction.
When in spasm, the quadratus lumborum also restricts breathing by locking down the bottom of the ribcage on the side. The quadratus lumborum is part of the gall bladder channel in Chinese Medicine and the air element segment of the Pinagala Nadi in Ayurveda.
Instead of balance:
👉 the system becomes biased to one side
When released:
• symmetry returns
• movement improves
• the body re-centers
Step 7
Technique Demonstration
First Viewing — Flow
• where contact is made along the lateral lumbar region
• how the practitioner positions their body
• pacing of the technique
Second Viewing — Mechanics
• cross-fiber direction of pressure
• how depth is achieved without force
• body alignment and grounding
Observe the Release
• softening of the tissue
• improved movement
• visible relaxation
What to Look For
• areas of greatest resistance
• how contact is refined
• when the tissue begins to yield
Step 8
Worksheet Exercise
Download the worksheet below.
Using a red drawing tool on your phone or tablet:
-
Draw the attachments of the psoas major
-
Fill in the lines to show the basic shape you think it looks like
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Use red lines and remember to draw them also to show the direction you believe the fibers of this muscle pass in.
-
Review the surrounding neurological structures.
Save the image to your device.
Upload the completed worksheet in the next step.
Mastery of anatomy is required for precise clinical work.
Step 9
Practice Assignment
Clinical Skill Development
Setup
• client prone or side-lying
Execution
• locate QL between rib and pelvis
• apply cross-fiber palpation
• work through areas of resistance
Focus
• do not force depth
• remain controlled
• stay on the muscle
What to Look For
• softening of tissue
• increased symmetry
• improved movement
Standard
• accurate location
• controlled pressure
• recognition of release
Step 10
Treatment Recording
In this step you will record yourself performing the quadratus lumborum release technique, so your
form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
You will need:
• a massage table or treatment surface
• a practice subject
• a tripod or stable support for your phone or camera
• good lighting so your hand placement is clearly visible
Position the camera so that the following are clearly visible in the video:
• your hand placement on the client
• your body mechanics and posture
• the direction of pressure you apply
• the client’s neck and shoulder region during the release
The video should show the entire treatment sequence, from initial contact to release.
Record yourself performing the quadratus lumborum release technique so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
☑ correct finger placement
☑ practitioner body mechanics
☑ the Yang engagement phase
☑ the Yin release phase
The video should show the full treatment sequence from initial contact to muscle release.
Upload your video for instructor review.
Your instructor will confirm that the technique is performed safely, accurately, and according to the Releasology method.
This step allows your instructor to confirm that the technique is being performed safely, accurately, and according to the Releasology method.
Step 11
Client Testimonial
Ask your practice subject to rate their symptoms before and after the treatment using a 0–10 scale.
Record a brief testimonial video including::
☑ symptom description
☑ before score
☑ after score
☑ changes they experienced
Upload the testimonial video.
Documenting real clinical outcomes is an essential part of Releasology training.
Step 12
Knowledge Check & Modality Completion
Answer:
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What is the role of the quadratus lumborum?
-
How does spasm of this muscle affect movement and posture?
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What does spasm of this muscle feel like to the client?
-
What could visibly indicate release?
Submission Checklist
• Worksheet
• Technique Video
• Client Testimonial
Completion Standard
You should be able to:
• locate the QL accurately
• assess tissue quality
• apply controlled pressure
• restore balance and movement
1. Which muscle is the primary focus?
A. Psoas
B. Gluteus medius
C. Erector spinae
D. Quadratus lumborum
2. What does QL spasm cause?
A. Shoulder pain
B. Lateral lumbar tension and imbalance
C. Wrist stiffness
D. Knee pain
3. Why is this muscle significant?
A. It increases strength
B. It stabilizes and distorts lumbar alignment when tight
C. It improves flexibility
D. It affects the ankle
4. What happens when one side is tighter?
A. Balanced posture
B. Reduced tension
C. Improved strength
D. Pelvic and spinal asymmetry
5. What is the result of release?
A. Weakness
B. Balanced lumbar mechanics and reduced pain
C. Skin tightening
D. Fatigue