Just Soas You know..

Chances are that you've never heard of your Psoas (SO-AZ) muscle, much less realised the havoc this guy can create for you when he gets right and develops trigger points. 

The psoas muscle originates from the lower part of your spine, crossing over the pelvis and hip joint, before inserting on the inside of your thigh.

The main function of the psoas is to flex your hip.  If you are sitting down as you read this, then your psoas muscle is working away nicely.  If you sleep in the fetal position with your knees drawn up, your psoas is at work while you sleep.  The more we flex the hip, the more we are exercising the psoas, and without proper stretching, a tight, inflexible psoas can be constantly pulling on the spine and causing all sorts of mischief.

Are you or someone you know any of the following for no apparent reason?  

• Unresolvable lower back pain?  

• A back that aches after sitting too long?

• Pain in the hip?  

• Pain in the groin?  

• Clicking hip?  

• Pain first thing in the morning that subsides as you get up and get going, or after a hot shower?  

• A "short" leg?  

• Lower limb injuries that aren't responding to standard treatment as they should?

While other causes still need to be ruled out, if you've already done that, then it is possible that it just might be your psoas thats causing all the grief.  

The main test used to assess the psoas is called the Thomas Test.  This is a non-invasive stretch type of test, done on the massage table with you fully clothed.  There are several other stretches that can also be done to confirm initial impressions.

A tight psoas usually responds exceptionally well to several sessions of massage, plus some diligient stretching and self-massage at home.  However, sometimes it is necessary to refer clients on to an Osteo, Chiro or other health professional for further treatment.