In an age where massage tools have flooded the market, two emerging products pave the way for targeted, at-home deep tissue massage - Pso Rite and QL Claw. Both lower back pain relief products have primary targets (Psoas and QL respectively), but claim to carry over the deep tissue massage function to a host of muscles that can contribute to lower back pain when tight. This article shares a few similarities and differences between the Pso Rite and QL Claw products.
Pso Rite vs. QL Claw - The Muscle Targets
Pso Rite was the first product designed to effectively target the Psoas muscle for release. Pso Rite's success paved the way for many Psoas release copycat tools - including Hip Hook, Meat Grinder, and many more. In my opinion, Pso Rite remains the best Psoas muscle release tool in the space.
QL Claw was the first tool designed to specifically target the Quadratus Lumborum (QL) muscle in the lower back. Before QL Claw, QL release was typically performed ineffectively with a lacrosse ball, Pso Rite, or household object. QL Claw remains the only purposefully made QL muscle release tool on the market.
Psoas and QL are both lower back pain-inducing muscles, and both should be given attention if you have lower back pain. There are a variety of tests you can do to tell determine the source of your pain (check these posts on QL Pain and Psoas Pain for symptoms), but it is always best to check with a licensed professional for your individual case. You can release each muscle and others with each tool, but each is better at releasing its respective target.
Pso Rite vs. QL Claw - Muscle Release Carryover
Being able to release the Psoas and/or QL is nice, but lower back pain is often a bigger picture than just 2 muscles. It is actually often 5 muscles. This section shows the 5 most common lower-back-pain-inducing muscles and how effective each tool is at releasing the said muscle.
Pso Rite vs. QL Claw - Material
A key differentiating factor between QL Claw and Pso Rite is the material. Pso Rite is made of hard ABS plastic, and QL Claw is made of a rubbery polyurethane derivate. Both products are incredibly durable, but Pso Rite is more rigid and tougher on muscles. Neither is necessarily better than the other, it is more a matter of personal preference. One reason to support both products: as of writing this post both products are designed and manufactured in the USA.
Pso Rite vs. QL Claw - Size
It can be difficult to tell how big Pso Rite and QL Claw are until holding each in your hand. Both easily fit in a backpack, gym bag, or carry-on for on-the-go muscle release. From customer feedback, however, it is worth mentioning both Pso Rite and QL Claw products are probably bigger than you think.
Pso Rite's dimensions are 10.7 x 5 x 5.3 inches and weighs in at 1.1 lbs.
QL Claw's dimensions are 10 x 3 x 3.1 inches and weighs in at 1.8 lbs.
Pso Rite vs. QL Claw - Cost
As of writing this both products ring in at exactly $69.99. QL Claw's price has stayed constant at this number, and Pso Rite tends to fluctuate.
Â
At the end of the day - both products will help relieve a lot of muscular tension and potentially relieve a lot of pain. Personally, I own and use both tools, using Pso Rite for the Psoas muscle and QL Claw for everything else.
Â
If you enjoyed this post, check out the links below next: