Finding and Releasing the QL
Plus How to Tie It Into a Great Massage
Learn powerful release techniques for the QL to deliver deeper results in every session
This course is for:
Massage therapists.
Bodyworkers
Manual therapists.
Students who want deeper anatomy knowledge.
Practitioners who want more confidence working with stubborn pain patterns.
Transform Your Ability to Help Heal
This course is designed to give students practical knowledge of how to identify, locate, and release the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscle, which is often overlooked and undertreated for pain.
In addition to teaching students how to find and release this muscle, they will also learn the contraindications for the work, the potential for emotional release, and how to handle it should it arise.
Students will learn how to integrate the deeper therapeutic work into the flow of a full-body massage. They will also be coached on body mechanics and how to practice the work without harming themselves or others.
The experience of not only doing the work but also experiencing it themselves will give students a greater appreciation of the importance of this muscle and the impact it can have on the body.
Benefits:
Understand what the Quadratus Lumborum muscle does.
Recognize common compensation patterns.
Apply more effective release strategies.
Improve the quality of each session.
Tie it all together so your bodywork flows.
What you’ll learn
Identify the reasons for releasing the QL.
Locate and assess the muscle in question.
Understand emotional releases that may be associated with this muscle
Understand contraindications for performing the release.
Master proper release techniques for the muscle.
Integrate these techniques into a full-body massage.
Understand proper body mechanics to do the work.
Learn how to create a comprehensive client treatment plan.
This course is designed to help you move beyond memorizing anatomy and into practical, hands-on application. You’ll not only learn where this muscle is but also how to think about it in the context of pain, compensation, and release work.
What makes it different:
Focused on clinically relevant application.
Built for massage and bodywork professionals.
Designed to improve confidence in real sessions.
Meet the Instructor
Hi, I’m Dr. Gretchen Rivas, and I created this course to help massage therapists develop a deeper understanding of the muscles that most often present with pain and restriction.
My goal is to make anatomy practical, clear, and usable in your work.
Background History
1986 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with minors in Marketing and Small Business Development from the University of South Carolina.
2001 Certificate of Massage Therapy from Coastal Carolina Institute of Massage Therapy
2002 LMBT #3153 Started Relax to the Max Massage Therapy, which became Relax! Massage Therapy, then Relax! Massage Therapy and Skin Care
2005-2012 Instructor at MMC in the Massage Department
Somatics
Spa
Energy Work (Included instruction in TCM, polarity therapy, craniosacral therapy, shiatsu, etc.)
Special Populations (*included massage instruction in Geriatric, Pregnancy, Pediatric, and Infant, and High-Risk populations)
Supervisor at the Massage Clinic
2008-2011 LAc #633 Master's in Acupuncture from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in Boone, NC.
2011 Infinity Acupuncture, Wilmington, opened
2018 Infinity Acupuncture, Hampstead, opened
2017-2019 Doctor of Acupuncture: Pacific College of Health and Science
2021-2023 Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncturist
2023 Relax! Massage Therapy and Skin Care sold
2025 Nationally Certified Massage Therapy Provider #1002561
2026 Infinity Acupuncture, Wilmington clinic sold
Areas of Expertise
Massage Therapy
Sports Medicine
Body mechanics
Massage Flow
Business Development
Professional Development
Pregnancy Massage
Somatics
Special Populations
Meridian Therapy
What People Are Saying
Communication was top-notch and the final outcome was even better than I expected. A great experience all around.
— Michael M., Former Student
Dr. G's attention to detail and commitment to quality instruction truly stood out. I’ve already recommended this class to others.
— Kat, Former Student
The details about each muscle were thoughtfully explained. I'm thrilled with my learning outcomes.
— John C. Former Student
Your Questions, Answered
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Click on the Course Link and sign up! There are early bird discounts and a way to pay as you go to help you reserve your space if you can’t afford to pay it all this minute.
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With a passion for helping people heal, 24+ years of experience in the massage world, years of teaching and public speaking, plus the additional training as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Certified Sports Medicine Acupuncturist, Dr. Gretchen brings her scope of experience to the classroom to make your time worth it.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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Serious information in a fun, engaging format. I use a PowerPoint but only to help you see what I’m talking about and for demonstration purposes. I can’t stand a CE class where the instructor reads from the PP. I won’t torture you like that! We will do lots of hands-on work that you will be able to utilize the day you get home.