ILIOPSOAS (HIP FLEXOR) PAIN

The hip flexor muscles are responsible for the movement of the legs and transferring the movement from the lower abdomen. The iliopsoas muscle is a long muscle that is located in the lower lumbar region of the spine, extending through the pelvis to the femur. These two muscles in the body are the major hip flexors of the trunk. They are separated by the abdomen and merge in the upper thigh providing stability and structural integrity.
Iliopsoas, also known as, psoas muscle pain can cause discomfort, leading to issues in mobility and flexibility, which can lead to more lower body issues and injuries. 

CAUSES

Tightness of the psoas/hip flexor is one of the main causes of the pain. Anyone can experience issues with the psoas, but it is most common in active people and athletes. Another vulnerable group for a tight psoas muscle are the people working with extended hours of sitting. 

SYMPTOMS

Psoas muscle pain can present itself differently, but the most common symptoms are:

• Psoas muscle pain as low back pain with tightness that compresses the lumbar discs
• Psoas muscle pain as upper back pain with tightness that leads to hunching of the upper back; creating kyphosis
• Psoas muscle groin pain, which is when the psoas is inflamed, creating pressure on the surrounding tissues and leading to inflammation. This can be described as a heat along the front of the thigh
• Psoas muscle abdomen pain; when the psoas is so tight that it restricts the movement of the transverse abdominis
• Pain that radiates through the leg
• Deep pelvic floor pain
• Discomfort in the hip joint

TREATMENTS

• Psoas muscle stretches
• Psoas muscle exercises
• Physical therapy
• Massage