Dysfunctional Trunk Rotation and/or Dysfunctional Hip Abduction Functional Movement Tests

These dysfunctional movement tests can be best addressed by mobilizing any spinal dysfunctions that are found at the thoracolumbar junction and/or by stretching the quadratus lumborum and piriformis muscles. It is also sometimes helpful to mobilize the inferiomedial hip capsule and stretch the hip adductors as covered in 4b. These sources of inhibition should be addressed before attempting retraining.

Anatomy and Biomechanical Considerations:

Quadratus Lumborum, Piriformis and Posterior Hip Capsule

Observations:

1. Hypertonicity in the quadratus lumborum on one side is associated with a FRS dysfunction at the TL junction on that side, i.e., hypertonic right QL found with an FRS R at T12-L1.
2. Pinching in the anterior groin with FADIR test or when attempting to stretch the piriformis is related to a tight posterior hip capsule. “Groin pain is posterior hip capsule tightness until proven otherwise”, Dr. Philip Greenman.
3. An apparent tightness in the posterior hip capsule dissipates, often times dramatically, after mobilizing the upper lumbar spine for FRS dysfunctions on the same side, ie., tight R posterior hip capsule, FRS R at L1,2 or L2,3 will be present.
4. Therefore, before we treat the quadratus lumborum, piriformis and posterior hip capsule we need to first identify and treat any FRS dysfunctions found between T12-L2.