What is a psoas muscle?
The psoas muscle is one of the most important muscles that lie over the spinal column. It is a lengthy, spindle-shaped muscle located on both sides of the vertebral column and the edge of the smaller pelvis. Towards its lower end, it unites with the iliacus muscle, creating the iliopsoas muscle.
Symptoms of a tight PSOAS Muscle.
Preserving the length of the psoas muscle holds significance due to its role as a conduit for numerous significant nerves emerging from the lower spinal region. These nerves encompass those directing the functions of internal and pelvic organs, along with major nerves governing the lower limbs. Tension in this region has the potential to constrict these nerves during their passage through the muscle tissue. As a consequence, a taut psoas muscle might give rise to seemingly unconnected manifestations, such as back discomfort, leg ache, hip soreness, bladder unease, pelvic discomfort, and digestive disturbances. Additionally, it can also contribute to symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Tension within the psoas muscle can be closely linked to the “fight or flight” stress response we experience in our lives. This stress response often occurs when we encounter sudden, high-stress situations like narrowly avoiding a car running a red light, barely catching a bus when running late, or facing unwarranted criticism from a boss. Unlike animals that frequently release stress by physically shaking, we humans usually don’t exhibit such overt physical reactions to daily stressors. Instead, this accumulated energy finds a dwelling place, often within the psoas muscle. Maintaining flexibility in the psoas muscle can aid us in more effectively managing internal stress and its associated physical tensions.
Prolonged periods of sitting can result in the psoas muscle contracting and becoming tense. A similar effect can be observed when sleeping on one’s side, which can cause tension in the psoas due to leg positioning. Furthermore, the psoas muscle might tighten when it assumes the primary role of stabilizing the spine. Typically, the task of stabilizing the spine and torso falls upon the back and abdominal muscles. However, in situations where these muscles are weak or not functioning optimally, the psoas muscle can step in to provide stabilization, given its attachments to all the lumbar spine vertebrae. For more information on addressing these issues and maintaining optimal posture, we invite you to explore our blog post on office ergonomics, especially if you spend prolonged hours at a computer.
How to release your Psoas Muscle
To effectively address tension in your Psoas muscle, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wendy for an evaluation. During this assessment, Dr. Wendy will examine your muscle, assess your range of motion, and determine the most suitable approach to address the accumulated tension.
There are a few different tools out there that can help assess the Psoas Muscle and release the tension.
Lacrosse Ball – Utilizing a lacrosse ball can be beneficial for alleviating trigger points in the Psoas muscle. Increasing the pressure applied to the lacrosse ball can result in a more substantial release of tension.
Pso Rite – The Psoas Tool is meticulously crafted to offer profound relief to individuals of all ages and body types. It precisely targets depth and can effectively access specific and hard-to-reach muscle areas. The Psoas muscle plays a crucial role in regulating our fight or flight response, controlling our breathing, and facilitating the circulation of blood and lymph throughout our body.
Hip Hook – The Hip Hook distinguishes itself by its unique design, as it is specifically engineered to target the release of both the iliacus and psoas muscles. These two muscles collectively form the primary hip flexor in your body, known as the iliopsoas. In contrast, other hip flexor release tools or balls primarily focus on the psoas muscle and may not adequately address the iliacus muscle.
While these tools can provide short-term relief, it’s essential to emphasize that proper training and experience are crucial for effectively addressing the accumulated tension. Stress often manifests throughout our bodies, and inadequate posture, office ergonomics, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to tension buildup in our hips. Over time, this tension can result in a range of discomforts such as back pain, leg pain, hip pain, bladder pain, pelvic pain, and digestive issues, which can also exacerbate PMS symptoms.
We encourage you to contact the dedicated team at Attuned Vitality Chiropractic and Wellness for a comprehensive evaluation and to receive the appropriate treatment. Our ultimate aim is to help you achieve your optimal well-being, ensuring you feel your absolute best at 110%. Through our therapy treatments provided at our facility, as well as the techniques we will guide you through for at-home, in-office, or wherever suits you best, we are committed to assisting you in regaining the boundless energy of your youth in no time.