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Originally Posted by
Soule
Hey Doc,
2 part question here:
What methods do you use to determine if a back tweak is indicative of a QL strain vs a psoas strain?
What are the most effective methods in your opinion for stretching/releasing the psoas prior to or during warmup sets for squats or pulls?
Somebody I coach has a history of reoccurring back tweaks during squats and pulls, with his most recent tweak occurring during hip extension while approaching lockout (70% of the way up) in the squat. This was the fifth rep of his 2nd workset and he displayed no visible breakdown in technique.
Once every few months he will tweak what I believe to be either the QL or psoas. I arrived at this conclusion because of the pain reference points (around L1-L3, slightly right of vertebrae and deep in the tissue). Additionally, he will experience severe pain and tightness for about 2 days after the tweak and almost full recovery after 25x3 RDLs on day 3.
This individual spends most of his work/leisure time in a seated position and displays tight hip flexors. In theory, warmup sets of squats should be sufficient to release the psoas via reciprocal inhibition, but this individual typically experiences tweaks towards the ends of his work sets, with very little visible breakdown in technique.
I don’t want to overstep here in terms of asking for professional advice for free, so please feel free to let me know if I’m doing that. Thanks doc!