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Lower Back Pain & QL Issues in Horsham

Hands-on Soft Tissue Therapy for Persistent Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment and one of the most misunderstood.

If your lower back pain:

  • Keeps returning

  • Feels one-sided

  • Worsens with standing, walking, or rolling in bed

  • Never fully settles despite rest or stretching

       the issue may not be “your back” at all.

A frequently overlooked contributor is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscle.

Does This Sound Familiar?

Many people with QL-related lower back pain describe:

 

  • A deep ache on one side of the lower back

  • Pain that increases when standing or walking

  • Tightness that pulls the pelvis out of balance

  • Discomfort when turning in bed

  • A feeling of being “crooked” or uneven

  • Relief that never quite lasts

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re not broken.

What Is the Quadratus Lumborum (QL)?

The Quadratus Lumborum is a deep muscle that connects the pelvis to the lower spine and rib cage. Its job is to:

  • Stabilise the pelvis

  • Assist side-bending

  • Support the lower spine during movement

When the QL becomes overworked or shortened, it can:

  • Pull the pelvis out of alignment

  • Overload the lower back

  • Force other muscles to compensate

  • Create pain that feels stubborn and confusing

Treating the painful area alone often misses the real driver of the problem.

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Why QL-Related Pain Often Persists

Lower back pain linked to the QL often becomes chronic because:

 

  • The muscle compensates for weakness or restriction elsewhere

  • Sitting, driving, and standing patterns reinforce tension

  • The body adapts to imbalance rather than correcting it

  • Stretching alone doesn’t address load or control

This is why people often say:

“It eases for a bit… then comes straight back.”

Why This Approach Works

Lower back pain improves when:

  • The pelvis is allowed to settle into balance

  • Overworked muscles stop compensating

  • Movement becomes more evenly distributed

By treating the pattern behind the pain, not just the symptom, results are often more stable and longer-lasting.

Who This Treatment Is For

  • This approach is particularly suitable for:

  • People with long-standing or recurring lower back pain

  • One-sided back pain or stiffness

  • Pain linked to standing, walking, or postural imbalance

  • Desk workers, drivers, and active individuals

  • Those who’ve tried physio or massage with limited success

  • If you’ve been told “your scans are fine” but you still hurt — this is often where the answer lies

How I Treat Lower Back Pain & QL Issues

I’m Barry, a Soft Tissue Massage Therapist with almost 30 years of hands-on experience, based in Horsham, West Sussex.

At Myotherapy Clinic, treatment is one-to-one and tailored — not a generic lower back routine.

Treatment may include:

  • Targeted soft tissue massage to the QL and surrounding muscles

  • Myofascial release to reduce deep tension patterns

  • Addressing related areas such as hips, glutes, hamstrings, and upper back

  • Medical acupuncture or cupping where appropriate

  • Practical guidance to reduce ongoing strain

The aim is to restore balance, movement, and load-sharing, not just chase pain.

What to Expect

  1. Book online at a time that suits you

  2. Complete a short intake form before your visit

  3. Assessment and hands-on treatment focused on your specific pattern

  4. Clear explanations and practical advice to support progress

Sessions are calm, unrushed, and focused entirely on you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is QL-related lower back pain?

 

       QL-related pain involves the quadratus lumborum muscle, which connects the pelvis to the lower spine and rib cage.

       When overworked or shortened, it can cause deep, one-sided lower back pain and imbalance.

  • Why does my lower back pain keep coming back?

 

       Lower back pain often persists due to compensation patterns, postural strain, and muscle imbalance. Treating the                 painful area alone may not address the underlying cause.

 

  • Is this suitable for chronic lower back pain?

 

        Yes. Many clients attend with lower back pain that has been present for months or years.

 

  • Do I need a referral?

 

        No referral is required.

 

Appointments can be booked directly online.

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About Myotherapy Clinic

Myotherapy Clinic is a sole-practitioner clinic in Horsham, West Sussex.All treatments are carried out by me personally, so you’ll always know who you’re seeing.

 

I work with people who want:

  • clear explanations

  • experienced hands

  • practical, effective treatment

 

No conveyor-belt massage. No guesswork.

Ready to Address Your Lower Back Pain?

If lower back pain or QL tightness is affecting your movement, comfort, or confidence, it’s time to address the underlying cause — not just manage the symptoms.

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