Psoas, iliacus, iliopsoas !

What is the iliopsoas muscle?

The psoas muscle is often grouped together with the iliacus muscle, and together they’re referred to as the iliopsoas. 

Few signs of tight psoas muscle:

• Tension and pain in the lower back, hips, buttocks, pelvis, or groin

• Lower back spasms

• Radiating pain down the leg

• Instability in the core of the body

• Limited flexibility in the lower back

The iliopsoas muscle is the strongest hip flexor and assists in external rotation of the femur, playing an important role in maintaining the strength and integrity of the hip joint. It is essential for correct standing or sitting lumbar posture, and during walking and running.

This muscle works by flexing the hip joint and lifting the upper leg towards the body. A common example of the movement created from this muscle is walking.

Due to its location deep within the core of the body, the psoas is difficult to feel with your hands, to massage it and to sense internally.

However there are several stretching exercises that can help releasing the tension from psoas 

Most commonly, hip flexor stretches and core stability strengthening,  along with stretching of the surrounding muscles initially and then building the strength. Many of the poses found in yoga can also be helpful in alleviating psoas muscle pain.