Course Overview

The quadratus lumborum (QL) is a crucial structure of the lumbar spine. Despite its importance, its role in stability and its contribution to low back pain are controversial and not fully understood. The QL is reported to be more of a postural muscle that acts as an intersection of tensional force, rather than being a prime mover in any particular action. Practitioners should remember that all muscles interconnect as a function of the fascial system, and for the quadratus lumborum, the practitioner must look further than just treating this muscle as an individual pain generator. In this presentation, we will discuss the latest research on this muscle, its complex structure and relevant neurology, its myofascial connections to neighboring tissues, and its sinew channel connections. We will also discuss assessment, acupuncture point protocols, and local anatomy related to proper needling. In addition, we will highlight targeted myofascial release and corrective exercises protocols to help correct postural imbalances, restore function, and reinforce the acupuncture.

Course Objectives

• The practitioner will be able to describe the complex structural, fascial and neural anatomy of the quadratus lumborum.
• The practitioner will be able to describe the actions of the quadratus lumborum.
• The practitioner will be to describe how the quadratus lumborum links with the channel system.
• The practitioner will be able to apply various functional assessments to find imbalances in the quadratus lumborum and its connected myofascial tissues.
• The practitioner will be able to apply acupuncture, myofascial release and corrective exercise protocols for the quadratus lumborum.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 30 minExamine the anatomy of the quadratus lumborum.

30 min - 45 minDiscuss the channel relationships of the Quadratus lumborum.

45 min - 1.25 hrsDiscuss assessment approaches for the quadratus lumborum.

1.25 hrs - 1.75 hrsExamine acupuncture points used for the quadratus lumborum.

1.75 hrs - 2 hrsThe practitioner will learn myofascial release and corrective exercise protocols for the quadratus lumborum.

Teacher

Brian Lau, AP, CSMA, is certified in both Sports Medicine Acupuncture and Structural Integration. He has been on faculty since 2013 with the Sports Medicine Acupuncture Certification (SMAC) program, where he teaches anatomy and physiology, assessment and treatment of the channel sinews (jingjin), and myofascial release.

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Matt Callison is a renowned instructor and published author of the Motor Points and Acupuncture Meridians Chart and quintessential texts such as the Motor Point Index (MPI) Reference Guide and Sports Medicine Acupuncture: An Integrated Approach Combining Sports Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has over 27 years of experience in sports medicine and acupuncture.

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Testimonials

This course significantly deepened my knowledge of the quadratus lumborum. I now have a better understanding of the muscles relationship to all of the surrounding structures. I look forwards to using my new understanding about assessment and treatment of the quadratus lumborum.

Oliver L.

United States of America

Excellent course, a lot to take in. It has inspired to do the other courses. I feel these course will fill in the gaps for me as an acupuncturist. Thank you

Robyn V.

Australia

I highly recommend this course. It covers in depth the anatomy of the QL, as well as other structures it affects and includes several assessments to determine the best approach to treat the symptoms.

Karen Z.

United States of America

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