ACTION: torso flexor
REFERRAL: mid and lower back

COMMENTS: The fact that this muscle refers pain to the back means that if your work on the back erector group is not providing relief, look to this muscle. The rectus abdominis also will be tight in clients who slouch, and have a posteriorly rotated pelvis. If a client has an anteriorly rotated pelvis (most common) strengthening this muscle can help the hips to come back into alignment. It is not true, however, that strengthening the rectus abdominis will automatically help the lower back.