11/04/2024
It's only been in recent years that I've had clients come in who know a bit about the psoas muscle, and a few who have actually had it massaged and released. Abdominal massage in general is not as common as it should be in massage, in my opinion, and I love knowing that it's becoming more understood and more common to address!
When practiced safely and comfortably, abdominal, or core muscle, massage can often be the trick to relief when all other avenues have left the therapist and client empty handed. The psoas is also thought of as a "trauma holding" muscle. Working in this area can often bring emotional releases that can be unexpected. Our body stores much more than we think it does!
I can't count the amount of times I have had clients come in with back pain that no amount of massage and stretching that area could fix. What we often find is that psoas, along with other abdominal muscles, can remain shortened and can pull on the lower back, causing an imbalance that brings pain and either too much or not enough mobility.
So many other variables in this equation and while strengthening also HAS to happen at some point, massage can definitely be the first step in pain relief and mobility!
Many problems like slouching, sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, driving with the hips flexed for a long commute, sleeping curled up, etc. can lead to a shortened tight psoas.
Releasing and relaxing the psoas and abdominal muscles can improve posture, relieve lower back pain, and improve hip mobility just to start!
If you've experienced any of these symptoms and haven't found relief, a psoas release could be what's missing from your equation. Finding a therapist who knows how to address abdominal massage can make ALL the difference!
