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I have been a professional Massage Therapist and Bodyworker for 25 years. These days I primarily use Positional Release methods along with Chapman's n... (more...)
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The psoas muscle is responsible for most back pain!
The Psoas may be the most important muscle in the body. Most back pain and many other painful conditions or areas are caused by the psoas muscle. Increasingly people are searching the web to understand the relationship of the psoas to their ongoing pain or injury.
The main purpose of this lens is to provide a starting place and resource for both consumers and therapists to get to know the psoas, its effects and some options for treatment and self-care. There are links to information, articles and related books on Amazon. The Psoas Book by Liz Koch is a must for anyone interested in the subject.
You will find a safe way to begin exercising the psoas, as well as and links to more exercises. I have included a link to a Psoas Release E-Manual that I created for massage therapists, bodyworkers, physical therapists and chiropractors. There are also opportunities to train in psoas release methods.
Check out some speculations about the relationship of the psoas to hip pain, hip replacement and Restless Leg Syndrome.
#1. What is the Psoas Muscle?
The number of problems caused by the psoas is quite astonishing.
The psoas (pronounced "so - az") primarily flexes the hip and the spinal column. At about 16 inches long on the average, it is one of the largest and thickest muscles of the body (in animals it's known as the tenderloin). This powerful muscle runs down the lower mid spine beginning at the 12th thoracic vertebrae connecting to all the vertebral bodies, discs and transverse processes of all the lumbar vertebrae down across the pelvis to attach on the inside of the top of the leg at the lesser trochanter. The lower portion combines with fibers from the iliacus muscle, which sits inside the surface of the pelvis and sacrum, to become the Iliopsoas muscle as it curves over the pubic bone and inserts on the lesser trochanter.
Buy the Psoas Book
The Psoas Book
Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 05/13/2008)
This is the single best book on the Psoas. The 85 page soft covered book is a comprehensive guide to the Iliopsoas muscle and its profound influence on the body/mind/emotions.
Chapters include: location, function, effects, childhood conditioning, women's cycles, the fear reflex, releasing the psoas, approaches to the psoas and ergonomics.
#2. What is the function of the psoas?
The psoas has a number of diverse functions, making it a key factor in health. The psoas functions as a hip and thigh flexor, which makes it the major walking muscle. If the legs are stationary the action of it is a bend the spine forward; if sitting, it stabilizes and balances the trunk. The lower psoas brings the lumbar vertebrae forward and downward to create pelvic tilt.When we think of smooth, elegant and graceful movement in dancers and athletes we are looking at the psoas functioning at its optimum. It requires that the psoas maintains the pelvis in a dynamically neutral orientation that can move easily and retain structural integrity. This creates positions of the spine that require the least muscular effort.
#3. What are the common pain symptoms of the psoas?
The psoas can torque your spine to the right or left, pull it forward and twist the pelvis into various distortions. Frequently one psoas will shorten and pull the spine and/or pelvis to our dominant side. The distortions of the spine and pelvis can also show up as a short or long leg. This all results in scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, trigger points, and spasms in back muscles trying to resist the pulling of the psoas.
See a dynamic image of the psoas here.
It can also pull the spine downward, compressing the facet joints and the intervertebral discs of the lumbar spine. The pressure can cause the discs to degenerate, becoming thinner and less flexible. This degeneration makes the discs more susceptible to bulging or tearing, especially with twisting and bending movements.
#4. What keeps the psoas in contraction?
The psoas will stay contracted because of postural habits and trauma. The way we stand, walk and sit can distort the psoas. If we walk or stand with our chin in an overly forward position the muscle will tighten. Sitting through much of the day at the office, car or elsewhere causes the muscle to shorten to keep us bio-mechanically balanced in our chairs. Over time we develop a "normal" way of holding the psoas that is dysfunctional.Unresolved trauma can keep the psoas short and reactive. This is a primary muscle in flight, fight, freeze or fear responses to danger. When survival is at stake, it propels the body to hit the ground running. When startled, it ignites preparation of the extensor muscles to reach out (grab hold) or run. Until the psoas is released the muscle may stay contracted and go into further shortening and spasm very easily.
Sources for #1-#4.
Rick Allen, The Psoas - Hidden Influence on Posture, December 1998 Lawrence, H., Jones, Jones Strain-Counterstrain, Jones Strain-Counterstrain Inc., Boise, ID, 1995 Liz Koch, Psoas Health: Trauma Recovery, Massage and Bodywork Dec-Jan, 2004, December 1998
Peter Levin, Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, CA, 1997, December 1998
Ida Rolf, Rolfing: Restablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being, Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT, 1989
Psoas Symptoms Poll
#5. What is the Iliacus Muscle?
Iliacus connects with the psoas muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle.
The Iliacus is a flat, triangular muscle, which fills the iliac fossa.
It arises from the upper two-thirds of this fossa, and from the inner lip of the iliac crest; behind, from the anterior sacroiliac and the iliolumbar ligaments, and base of the sacrum; in front, it reaches as far as the anterior superior iliac spine and anterior inferior iliac spine, and the notch between them.
The fibers converge to be inserted into the lateral side of the tendon of the Psoas major, which contributes to flexing the femur anteriorly onto the pelvis. Some of the iliacus fibers may reach the body of the femur, for about 2.5 cm. below and in front of the lesser trochanter.
The Iliacus is sometimes considered a part of the Iliopsoas group of hip flexor muscles.
This muscle is innervated by the anterior branches of the Femoral nerve (anterior branches of L2-3).
#6. What is the Quadratus Lumborum Muscle?
A key muscle to understand the psoas and back pain.
The Quadratus Lumborum is a well known muscle that is a primary cause of lower back pain. Its action of bringing the hip up is important for balancing postural distortion. Not only does it refer into the Sacro-Iliac joint, but can cause stress in that joint by pulling the hips out of alignment. Some consider the iliacus and quadratus lumborum to be functionally one muscle with continuous fibers. Quadratus lumborum is always an important player in psoas problems.
#7 What is the Psoas Minor?
From Wikipedia. Do you have a Psoas Minor?
See a great image of the psoas minor here.
The psoas minor is a long, slender muscle that is placed (when present) in front of the psoas major muscle. It is absent in 40% of individuals.
It arises from the sides of the bodies of the twelfth thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae and from the intervertebral discs separating them. It ends in a long flat tendon which is inserted into the pectineal line and iliopectineal eminence, and, by its lateral border, into the iliac fascia.
Good Psoas Links
These help to deepen our understanding to the structure and function of the psoas.
- Coreawarness.com
- Site of Liz Koch, leading expert on the psoas.
- What is the Psoas Muscle?
- A short, but informative review of the psoas on WiseGEEK.
- The Psoas Major Muscle
- Wikipedia entry on the psoas.
- The Opinionated Psoas, Part 1
- Part 1 of a 4 part series by Thomas Myers. Mr. Myers is a Certified Advanced Rolfer® who studied directly from Ida Rolf and Moshe Feldenkrais. Read all four parts for a interesting understanding of the posas.
- The Psoas - Hidden Influence on Posture
- An internet article by Rick Allen.
- The Psoas Major
- Informative article by Jonathan Fitzgordon. He is the creator of the FitzGordon Method Core Walking Program. Go to his website.
- The Psoas Major Part 2
- Another informative article by Jonathan Fitzgordon.
- The Psoas as Pulley
- More from Jonathan Fitzgordon. "The psoas fits in the mechanical model acting as a pulley as it curves over the front rim of the pelvis on the way to the femur." (Mach 26, 2008)
- The Psoas Muscles and Abdominal Exercises for Back Pain
- A comprehensive article. Includes information on the psoas and walking.
- Psoas-Rhomboids Balance
- By Jeff Linn, Advanced Certified Rolfer
- What part of a cow is the psoas?
- Find out here!
- Psoas, We have a Problem
- "After 35 years of competitive running, I am still plugging away trying to run and race to the best of my abilities. Unfortunately, I have been battling all sorts of imbalance problems for 25 of those years. This blog looks at the myriad of therapies and strategies I have encountered in an effort to "recover my stride."
- Psoas Major May Not Function As You Think, The
- From Warren Hammer: "I just read a chapter by S. Gibbons in Andry Vleeming's new textbook1 that totally alters accepted information regarding the psoas major muscle."
- Why I Still Don't Think My Psoas Needs to Be Released
- "I have been experiencing pain in my psoas with some snapping, and no, it is (still) not pride that keeps me from running back to my OS to have it released. My feelings still hold true in my case, and in many cases regarding releasing tendons."
- The Psoas: is It Killing Your Back?
- Lots of good information and exercises! From Stonglifts.com.
Remember! Always consult with your physician before starting any health program. The exercises on this page are for information only.
Psoas Videos From YouTube
The second and third video gets into the relationship of the psoas and hamstrings.
The fourth video has some good anatomical information, however I don't generally recommend deep work to the psoas. See how I work with the psoas below.
Psoas Blog Posts from Google
- Extremely tight psoas
- Alright so I'm nearly 100% sure that the source of my lower right side back pain is an extremely tight psoas. By tight I mean I can feel it pull on my spine just by lying on my back, knees bent with feet on the floor about 12in below my ...
- The Psoas Minor
- But a few years back while attending a workshop with one of my favorite teachers Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen (bodymindcentering.com) she said that in forty years of working with people she had never met anyone who didn't have a psoas minor. ...
- The Psoas: is It Killing Your Back?
- When you're sitting for a prolonged period of time, your Psoas is in a shortened position. Leave it for long enough, and it will start to think this is normal. Your tissues want to move into that resting position. ...
- Cool psoas experiment!
- The psoas major and psoas minor are incredibly vital to maintaining healthy posture both in daily life and while belly dancing. Unfortunately, you can't really touch or feel your psoas muscles with your hands, as they are deep within ...
Video On the Spine, Disks and Nerves
Its important to understand the effect of the psoas on disk problems.
Many of the methods mentioned throughout this lens will have a benefit to the disks and nerves by changing the tension in the psoas and related muscles.
Check Out This Clinical/Scientific Look at the Psoas Major
- Rehabilitation of the Stability Function of Psoas Major
- "A better understanding of the implications of the function of psoas major on the stability of the lumbopelvic region may improve clinical management of related dysfunction. Research was undertaken to gain an understanding of the anatomy, physiology and function of psoas major."
Thanks to Todd Langer for sending this great link to me.
View the Bones Moving During Walking
Medical animation of walking skeleton
Medical animation of from www.medflix.com
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A Safe Way to Start Exercising the Psoas
Do this exercise frequently to release the psoas and reduce back pain.
My experience with clients is that you cannot stretch or strengthen the psoas until it is capable of change. When the psoas is stuck in contraction stretches can tighten the muscle even more. When the psoas is weak it cannot strengthen until the muscle can contract.I recommend an exercise, originally introduced to me by Liz Koch, called Constructive Rest to begin to prepare the psoas for change.
Begin by lying on the floor or the firmest surface you can find. Bring your legs up so that your feet are on the floor and your knees are bent. Make yourself as comfortable as possible. Rest in this position for up to 20 minutes. Breathe deeply and relax. Focus on the idea of letting go of psoas tension.
As you begin to feel more comfort and flexability in the psoas area, check out some of the exercises in the links below.
Remember! Always consult with your physician before starting any health program. The exercises on this page are for information only.
Back Pain Tips
A definite help to psoas problems.
Exercises to Stretch and Strengthen the Psoas, Part 1
Here is a starter list. Send me yours!
Remember! Always consult with your physician before starting any health program. The exercises on this page are for information only.
- How To Stretch the Psoas Muscle
- A series of psoas exercises from eHow. Please do numbers 1-3 for a while before doing 4-6.
- Psoas Health: Trauma Recovery Protocol [plus exercises]
- This Liz Koch article has some exercises including a more detailed description of Constructive Rest.
- The Psoas - Stretching Revisited
- "...a key part of the answer to eliminating common mechanical low back pain is to keep the muscles of the low back in balance. This will improve your posture and dancing as well. Since the psoas often becomes tight and shortened from sitting, the answer must include daily stretches and exercises to counterbalance the tightening."
- How To Stretch Your Psoas
- Includes a You Tube Video. This seems more advanced to me. Be careful.
- Iliopsoas Self-Stretch
- A widely used standing stretch can easily be modified to become a facilitated stretch for the iliopsoas.
- Strengthening the Psoas Muscle
- This site focuses on strengthening the psoas specifically for cycling. Includes a You Tube Video. This seems more advanced to me. Be careful.
- Cool Psoas Experiment
- Very interesting from a bellydancing perspective.
- Psoas Stretch
- "This stretch is sometimes called the runner's start because the position you are in resembles that of a sprinter at the starting block. It mainly stretches the psoas muscle located just above the top of the thigh."
- Using the Psoas for Riding Horses
- Interesting article from Zen and the Horse. Looks at the psoas in terms of riding a horse.See more psoas exercise links below!
Releasing the Psoas at Your Desk
Better ergonomics!
- Sitting at Your Computer
- "Discovering your psoas muscle (pronounced so-as) and understanding its functions will help you make better decisions as to how to position yourself, the height and type of chair to use and the height of your desk, keyboard and monitor."
Good Book for Back Pain
Backache: What Exercises Work
Amazon Price: $11.16 (as of 05/13/2008)
Psoas Relief Poll
Psoas Stretches and Back Exercises
The Psoas and Breath
- The Influence of Breath on the Thoracolumbar spine
- "It is also important to note that through the crura, the diaphragm has fascial continuity with the psoas major (a deep hip flexor) and the quadratus lumborum (an extensor of the spine). By the nature of its insertion point on the 12th ribs, the quadratus lumborum acts as an accessory in breathing by anchoring the last ribs and consequently, the posterior fibres of the diaphragm. The fascial continuity with the psoas continues on into the pelvic floor and beyond."
Sleep Help for the Psoas Muscle and Back Pain
Products from Amazon
Snoozer Full Body Support Pillow - Hypoallergenic Synthetic Fiber Filler
Promotes Proper Spinal Alignment to Reduce Head, Neck and Back Strain
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $69.95 (as of 05/13/2008)
Dual Purpose Leg Wedge Pillow - Leg Pillow & Knee Pillow for Side Sleepers and Pregnancy Pillow
Ergonomically approved - Ideal pillow for side sleepers - Contour Leg Pillow.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 05/13/2008)
Deluxe Contour Pillow with Velour Cover
This orthopedic pillow has a dual-lobe design that supports the natural curves of your body among your head, neck and shoulders.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: (as of 05/13/2008)
Body Memory Foam Pillow Size 36x14 Inch
Responds to your body's temperature and contours to your body's shape.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $59.00 (as of 05/13/2008)
Opulence 11" Memory Foam Mattress + Incredibase, King
Memory Foam 10" Mattress + Incredibase.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $949.00 (as of 05/13/2008)
The Psoas and Hip Replacement
Does a tight psoas and/or related muscles damage the hip in most hip replacements?
- Hip Pain and Hip Replacement
- "Unfortunately, for most people, both legs are not exactly the same. They may look the same, but from a bio-mechanical standpoint, they are not the same."
"Because the hip joint connects the leg to the pelvis, the hip joint will sustain the brunt of any bio-mechanical abnormality that may occur. If one leg is shorter than the other, the hip joints will be stressed because the leg length discrepancy causes an abnormal gait (manner of walking)." - It's the Psoas, stupid!
- "Clearly, before my surgery, my psoas had gotten so tight that I couldn't extend my left leg flat on the ground while laying on my back."
- Pain related to the psoas muscle after total hip replacement
- "Residual pain after total hip replacement may be due to a number of causes both local to and
distant from the hip. We describe pain related to the psoas muscle after total hip replacement in nine patients."
Iliopsoas Tendinitis
- Iliopsoas Tendinitis
- "Major causes of iliopsoas tendinitis are acute trauma and overuse resulting from repetitive hip flexion."
- Iliopsoas Tendonitis
- "The 2 most common causes of iliopsoas Tendonitis are acute injury and overuse injury."
- Iliopsoas Tendonitis: The Great Masquerader
- "Besides ballet dancers iliopsoas tendonitis can occur in runners, hurdlers, high jumpers and many other athletes. "
- Iliopsoas tendonitis a complication after total hip arthroplasty.
- "The causes of pain after total hip arthroplasty are multiple. We present a series of 15 patients (16 cases) who presented with pain related to the iliopsoas tendon."
Arthroscopic Psoas Tendon Release
Check out the link below for a description of this procedure.
Arthroscopic Psoas Tendon Release
Dr. Carlos Guanche in Van Nuys, CA performing an arthroscopic tenotomy of the psoas tendon in a patient following total hip replacement.
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Summery of Arthroscopic Psoas Tenotomy
- Arthroscopic Psoas Tenotomy
- From: Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery , Volume 22 , Issue 8 , Pages 907.e1 - 907.e4
What is Snapping Hip Syndrome?
Snapping hip syndrome (coxa saltans, iliopsoas tendinitis, or dancer's hip) is a condition characterized by a snapping sensation when the hip is flexed and extended. This may be accompanied by an audible snapping or popping noise and possibly pain or discomfort. Pain often decreases with rest and diminished activity. Snapping hip syndrome is classified by location of the snapping, either Category: Wiktionary - :extra-|extra-Category: Wiktionary - :articular|articular or Category: Wiktionary - :intra-|intra-articular.
A Book on the Importance of the Pelvic Floor
Pelvic Power: Mind/Body Exercises for Strength, Flexibility, Posture, and Balance for Men and Women
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 05/13/2008)
Combining scientific principles with movement and imagery exercises that are both effective and fun, this book demonstrates how to create a stronger body by toning the pelvic floor. Focusing on the biomechanics of the pelvic floor, which acts as a support for the inner organs and contains a passage for the urethra, the sex organs, and the rectum, this guide shows how the pelvic floor plays an important role in almost all movements, balance, and body posture.
Releasing the Psoas and Pelvis Photos
How I do it.
Some release positions.
Barry releasing the psoas with positional release
Another psoas release option
A curved approach to psoas release
A release position that exaggerates short piriformis mu...
A release method for a short leg.
How I Treat the Psoas Muscle in My Massage Practice
I have seen many psoas injuries as a Massage Therapist. As my practice evolved over 25 years I have tried a number of techniques to release the psoas. I've had the most success by using Positional Release techniques.Developed in the 1950's by Lawrence Jones, Osteopathic Physician, Positional Release has evolved into several systems of therapy. Today these methods are used by Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors and other manual therapists. I learned a system called Ortho-Bionomy in the 1990's. I have since studied the broad range of positional approaches and learned from all of them.
To release the psoas we move the legs and hips into the most comfortable position possible. The most comfortable position resets sensors in the muscles and joints known collectively as proprioceptors. Creating the right twist and pressure in the muscles and joints resets the sensors very quickly. The psoas changes its tension levels and learns to operate in better balance over time.
It often takes 1-6 session to help the psoas retain a new way of functioning. More serious psoas injuries can take longer, particularly if very painful techniques have been used previously. Painful methods can traumatize the psoas.
I have included some photos from my practice below. If you don't live in my vicinity you might find a practitioner to help your psoas here. If you are a therapist, you might check out my Psoas Release E-Manual and/or psoas training below.
More of my Positional Release story.
Visit barrykrost.com
How to Work with a Dog's Psoas Muscle
I do this with my own dog clients and positional release techniques.
Johann's session with Sheree Farber, Ph.D.
Johann's session with Sheree Farber, Ph.D. in neurobiology to help him with his iliopsoas muscle pull. For more information visit Johann's blog - http://blog.johannthedog.com. And see these posts for more specific information and other links RE: iliopsoas pulls in dogs. http://blog.johannthedog.com/2008/02/muscle-pull-update.html http://blog.johannthedog.com/2008/02/no-no-no-no-more.html
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Psoas exercises for Dogs
Goes well with above video
- Psoas exercises for Dogs
- Dogs get psoas injuries too. Here is some strengthening and stretching exercises to help your dog. Woof, woof!
Cool Psoas Image
Some Psoas Related Books/Products on Amazon
The Endless Web: Fascial Anatomy and Physical Reality
The result of more than two decades of research and practice, The Endless Web present in clear, readable language a comprehensive guide to understanding and working effectively with the myofascial system, the 'packing material' of the body. Includes a discussion of a physically asymmetrical psoas leading to lumbar rotations and pelvic distortions.
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 05/13/2008)
Rolfing: Reestablishing the Natural Alignment and Structural Integration of the Human Body for Vitality and Well-Being
An excellent understanding of structure, including the psoas. There is none better.
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 05/13/2008)
Acland's Dvd Atlas of the Human Anatomy: The Upper Extremity, the Lower Extremity, the Trunk, the Head and Neck, Part 1, the Head and Neck Part 2, and the Internal Organs
This DVD is great for any understanding of anatomy. The psoas is shown on the "trunk" chapter as is the arteries, veins and nerves that go over, under and through the psoas. Very cool to see!
Amazon Price: (as of 05/13/2008)
Lumbar Extender Back Stretcher
Just lie down and relax for 5 minutes, twice a day.
Amazon Price: $89.95 (as of 05/13/2008)
Bodystories: A Guide to Experiential Anatomy
BodyStories is a book that engages the general reader as well as the serious student of anatomy. Thirty-one days of learning sessions heighten awareness about each bone and body system and provide self-guided studies. The book draws on Ms. Olsen's thirty years as a dancer and teacher of anatomy to show how our attitudes and approaches to our body affect us day to day.
Amazon Price: $18.45 (as of 05/13/2008)
Exercises to Stretch and Strengthen the Psoas, Part 2
I will be adding more exercises that effect the psoas and back pain.
- Nia and The Psoas Muscle
- Nia is a body-mind-spirit fitness and lifestyle practice that changes the psoas by teaching you to consciously realign and re-pattern the function of the psoas.
- The Perky Psoas
- From: Troy McCarty Pilates
- The Benefits of the Iliopsoas Muscle to Pilates - Part 1
- By Aliesa George, founder of Centerworks® Pilates Institute.
- The Benefits of The Iliopsoas Muscle to Pilates - Part 2
- Part 2 from Aliesa George.
- The Almighty Psoas Muscle - MyYogaOnline
- A look at the psoas from a yoga perspective. Includes look at the psoas in the Sun Salutation pose.
- The pelvis: A keystone for yoga
- Liz Koch looks at the pelvis and psoas from a yoga perspective, including a look at poses.
- P.A.S.T. (TM) Core Training System
- The patented P.A.S.T. (TM) Core Training System is designed to help make you functionally fit by restoring true balance and posture.
Very COOL View of the Psoas During Hatha Yoga Poses
- Scientific Keys: Awakening the Psoas
- Wonderful online view of the psoas during yoga poses. Also has books, posters and workshops for purchase.
Another Important Psoas Related Book
Core Awareness: Enhancing Yoga, Pilates, Exercise & Dance
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 05/13/2008)
A 174 page perfect bound soft covered book explores somatic awareness as an active and essential element of movement education. Shifting the standard mechanical paradigm within the movement arts and fitness training to a wholistic perspective, Core Awareness: Enhancing Yoga, Pilates, Exercise & Dance focuses on cultivating awareness as the vital key for preventing injury while developing flexibility, increasing strength and cultivating resiliency. Includes self-help explorations for developing inner somatic awareness.
Vinyasa Yoga Lunge for the Psoas and Neck
VERY VERY Advanced!
Pigeon Pose for the Psoas, Hips and Low Back
Another Very, Very Advance Practice - Follow her instructions and be careful.
PIGEON POSE [KAPOTASANA] ALIGNMENT
LEARN PIGEON POSE AND LOTS OF VARIATIONS TO HELP YOU GET INTO YOUR HIPS HEALTHFULLY, AVOID KNEE STRAIN, AND RELEASE YOUR LEGS AND LOW BACK TOO! With Sadie Nardini, Founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga, Director of East West Yoga in New York City, Author of The Road Trip Guide to The Soul and Creator of the Power Hour yoga DVD! See WWW.SADIENARDINI.COM for more information.
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Yoga Anatomy
Yoga Anatomy
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 05/13/2008)
Very helpful to see the function of the psoas in yoga.
From breathing to standing poses, see how each muscle is used, how slight alterations of a pose can enhance or reduce effectiveness, and how the spine, breathing, and body position are all fundamentally linked.
What is a Psoas Absess?
Outside my scope of practice but important information to share about the psoas muscle.
It is a rare lesion and lack of familiarity with it remains a major difficulty in medical diagnosis. The classic symptoms of psoas abscess are fever, flank pain and limitation of hip movement. According to one report these symptoms are in fact atypical and have presented in only 30 percent of patients. Modern imaging techniques are usually required for a firmer diagnosis. (Citation)
A Bigger Psoas Perspective
#1. Is Restless Leg Syndrome a Psoas Dysfunction?
Some speculation. I am not a physician. I have been working with psoas for 15 years.
I think that some of those with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) may be actually suffering from a psoas problem. Perhaps someone will read this and do some research!"Typically characterized by creeping, crawling, burning, tingling or aching, a person living with this syndrome feels a need to move their legs to relieve these sensations. Considered a central nervous system disorder, RLS often interferes with resting or falling asleep."(citation)
My own experience is that if I am on the computer for too long I get an ache, vibration, and pain in my thighs, hips and legs, particularly when I lay down in bed. I relieve this be putting my legs up into the Constructive Rest position, (see module above "A Safe Way to Start Exercising the Psoas"), and making myself most comfortable.
The ehow website shows a number of sleep positions that can relieve RLS. Interestingly these "sleep positions" are similiar to a number of psoas release positions I use in my massage practice.
I think its possible that impingements of specific nerves around the psoas may create some of the symptoms of RLS. A number of nerves for the hip, pelvis and thigh called the Lumbar Plexus emerge from the same area of the psoas muscle's insertions on the front of the spine. These include: the ilioinguinal, genitofemoral, lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, femoral nerve and obturator nerves to name a few. See a cool chart on the nerves and the Psoas here.
Check out more about the Lumbar Plexus in the below module.
One of the trigger point pain referral zones for the psoas is on the front of the thigh. This is an area that can plague those with RLS. I believe that the psoas' level of muscular tension is highly sensitive to other factors such as nutrition, emotions and trauma. I think the psoas may be a barometer of health.
Let me know if any of this helps and/or you have your own ideas along this line of thought!
#2. RLS Overview from YouTube
More evidence on the psoas and RLS?????
#3. The Lumbar Nerve Plexus
From Wikipedia. This module supplements our discussion of Restless Leg Syndrome.
The lumbar plexus is a nervous plexus in the lumbar region of the body. It is formed by the loops of communication between the anterior divisions of the first three and the greater part of the fourth lumbar nerves; the first lumbar often receives a branch from the last thoracic nerve.
It is situated in the posterior part of the Psoas major, in front of the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebræ.
The mode in which the plexus is arranged varies in different subjects.
Lumbar plexus
Trauma Release for the Psoas
Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE):: A revolutionary new method for stress/trauma recovery.
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 05/13/2008)
I have experienced this method. I think it might help for a number of psoas related problems including Restless Leg Syndrome.
#4. Where can I get more information on RLS?
Check them out.
5 Bodywork Tips for Restless Legs Syndrome
The Untouchables: Light Touch Massage Offers Hope, Relief For Those With Chronic Pain
Some Medical RLS Links
RLS Foundation
National Institute of Neurological Disorders
MayoClinic.com
Fetching blurbs now... please stand by
