07/26/2024
Do you have chronic low back pain? Let's talk muscles! I want to introduce you to the AMAZING Iliopsoas.
"The iliopsoas muscle is the major flexor of your hip joint. It’s made up of three muscles: the iliacus (i·li·a·cus), the psoas (so·az) major, and the psoas minor. These muscles work together to flex your hip, as well as stabilize your hip and lower back during activities like walking, running, and rising from a chair.
The main action of the iliopsoas is to flex your hip. This means that it bends your hip toward your body, as in the action of marching. It’s considered the major flexor of your hip."
Pain in the iliopsoas muscle can be caused by:
-"Sitting for prolonged periods of time
-Muscle imbalance due to tightness and weakness of neighboring muscles
-Overuse or injury in athletes (especially runners, dancers, and high jumpers) and people who are very physically active."
"The hip flexor pain usually starts around the front of the hips and can radiate down the thighs to the knees. Some people may also have pain in their buttocks and experience stiffness or tightness in the mornings." A chronically tight iliopsoas can even cause pain and discomfort in the low back!
"If you’re experiencing iliopsoas irritation due to overuse, resting it for a few days may be recommended. Stop any activity that’s causing hip pain. Rest is usually recommended, and then resume gentle stretches and strengthening exercises."
To stretch your iliopsoas:
"Get into a half-kneeling position with one knee on the ground. The knee on the ground should be the side you are stretching.
Maintain upright posture, and slowly slide forward, bringing your hip into extension to stretch your psoas. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then relax. Repeat three times."
You can also stretch your iliopsoas while lying on your back on a bed:
"Slide to one edge of the bed (face up), and then allow your leg and thigh to fall toward the floor. As your hip moves into extension, your iliopsoas will be stretched. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then relax."
If you feel like you could benefit from iliopsoas massage, Aspen Leaf Massage and Therapeutics is the right place for you! Please note, that this can be very intense and uncomfortable work to receive, and it's not for everyone, but for those that need it, it can make a world of difference! In our experience, most clients notice an immediate improvement in pain reduction and mobility, even after just one treatment.
To read more: https://www.verywellhealth.com/iliopsoas-anatomy-4706830
To Book an Appointment
Call/text: 720-620-8018
Online: aspenlmt.com
