MUSCLES INVOLVED IN COMMON ISSUES:
Stretches demonstrated by Physical Therapists


​NECK:
Scalene Muscles

​(Also see Tech Neck link)

LOW BACK:
HIP FLEXORS
​Psoas and Iliacus Muscles
Psoas + Illiacus = Iliopsoas Muscle

The Psoas (pronounced SO-az) muscle is a strong hip flexor that connects to the lumbar vertebra and the femur bone. A short tight Psoas can often be the cause of low back pain. The Iliacus muscle works with the Psoas and they are often referred to as one muscle, the Iliopsoas.



​Quadratus Lumborum - "Hip Hiker"

HIPS, SCIATICA SYMPTOMS (PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME):

Piriformis Muscle

A Piriformis Muscle that is too tight can pinch the sciatic nerve causing pain, numbness, or tingling down into the leg. It mimicks sciatica symptoms and is referred to as Piriformis Syndrome. 

SHOULDER:


​Subscapularis Muscle
​(one of the 4 Rotator Cuff Muscles)


PAIN BETWEEN SHOULDER BLADES
​Pectoralis Major and Minor

Pain between the shoulder blades in the back can often be caused by short tight Pectoralis muscles in the front which internally rotate the shoulder and overstretch the muscles in the back.
CAUTION: Video has a couple of curse words by presenter.

LATERAL KNEE PAIN:
​IT Band (Iliotibial Band)

The iliotibial band or IT band is a thick band of fascia that runs down the lateral side of the leg. Inflammation and tightness in the IT band is a common cause of lateral knee pain in runners and bicyclists.