Whether you run, bike, dance, practice yoga, or just hang out on your couch, your psoas muscles are involved. That’s because your psoas muscles are the primary connectors between your torso and your legs. They affect your posture and help to stabilise your spine.
Because they are major flexors, weak psoas muscles can cause many of the surrounding muscles to compensate and become overused. That is why a tight or overstretched psoas muscle could be the cause of many or your aches and pains, including lower back and pelvic pain.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE PSOAS MUSCLES?
Structurally, your psoas muscles are the deepest muscles in your core. They attach from your 12th thoracic vertebrae to your 5 lumbar vertebrae, through your pelvis and then finally attach to your femurs. In fact, they are the only muscles that connect your spine to your legs.
Your psoas muscles allow you to bend your hips and legs towards your chest, for example when you are going up stairs. They also help to move your leg forward when you walk or run.
Your psoas muscles are the muscles that flex your trunk forward when bend over to pick up something from the floor. They also stabilise your trunk and spine during movement and sitting.
During prolonged periods of stress, your psoas is constantly contracted. The same contraction occurs when you:
sit for long periods of time
engage in excessive running or walking
sleep in the fetal position
do a lot of sit-ups
Here are some tips for getting your psoas back in balance:
Avoid sitting for extended periods
Add support to your car seat
Try Resistance Flexibility exercises
Get a professional massage
Stretch
When it comes to releasing the psoas muscles, Lisa is a pro! Contact us if you are in need of some relief, we’re here to help
