Quadratus Lumborum Hands and Knees Self Stretch

To Stretch the Right Quadratus Lumborum:

• Have the patient reach forward with the right hand and grasp a solid object. From this position instruct the patient to sit back diagonally towards the right hip, elongating (stretching) the right side of the back.
• The right arm may be internally rotated (thumb down) or externally rotated (thumb up). Since the latissimus dorsi is an internal rotator of the shoulder internal rotation of the arm places more stretch selectively on the quadratus muscle.
• Have the patient hold the stretch position for 30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times alternating sides.