Download a PDF file with a description of this technique.
This is a great technique to help clients with a sacral upslip. I do this technique on both sides, so my client will feel balanced, but I work longer on the affected side.
Please see Assessment of Leg Length Imbalance for information on assessing a sacral upslip.
Cautions
All work needs to be pain-free.
Internal rotation of the femur may be contraindicated for clients with hip replacement.
Client Positioning
The client is lying on one side with their bottom knee forward and the top leg extended. The hip must be in a closed-pack position to “lock out” the hip joint to direct the stretch to the low back.
Closed-Pack Position for the hip
Femur hyperextended, slightly abducted, and internally rotated.
Technique
Have your client hike their hip toward their shoulder against your resistance as they exhale. This engages and fatigues the Quadratus Lumborum.
At the end of the exhale, release the resistance and push your client’s hip toward their shoulder. This maximally shortens the Quadratus Lumborum.
As your client slowly inhales, have them resist as you gently pull on their leg. They should be instructed to almost match the level of your pulling, so they let you slowly win. This creates a controlled release (eccentric contraction) of the Quadratus Lumborum.
This may be repeated several times, increasing the resistance level each time.
One of the ways this technique works is by training your client to let go of tension in the Quadratus Lumborum slowly.
Breathing
We stretch most muscles when the client exhales. With Quadratus Lumborum, it works better to stretch it when the client inhales because the QL contracts on exhalation and relaxes with inhalation.
Related Techniques:
Assessment of Leg Length Imbalance
Testimonial:
The QL Hip Hike is a game changer!!
I have had back pain on and off for several months now. Several trips to the chiropractor, no improvements.
I took the class on Back pain assessment and treatment. The Hip Hike released my poor QL in less than five minutes! My low back vertebrae released and I could actually feel each one letting go! What an incredible feeling! The sensation was of immediate relief!
I went home and for the first time I had NO PAIN.
I can not recommend this class enough, it will change your practice.
Thank you Dr Mally!
Can’t wait for the next one!
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Veronique Kahn
Auburn, California