The psoas
muscles make up a major part of the iliopsoas muscle group. This essential group of muscles function along with the other muscles of the hip to flex and extend the hip
joints and thighs. The psoas muscles also work together with the muscles of the spine to support the low back. If the psoas is not healthy or strong
enough, you will begin to notice other complications across your body.
For runners and many other athletes, the psoas muscles are repetitively being overworked
with constant activity and movements that eventually can lead to tension and stress of the muscles. As a result, the psoas muscles can become stiff and limit
the mobility in the hip sockets, adding strain on the lumbar spine
and knees. Tension in the psoas muscles can often times be asymmetrical, where only one
side of the psoas muscles is tightened, resulting in a tilt of the pelvis that
relatively shortens one leg over the other, misaligning the spine and pelvis, causing compensation up the spine and neck. Releasing and loosening the
psoas muscles is crucial for anyone to avoid complications on their bodies.
Strengthening
the psoas muscles with exercise alone may not always result in healthy psoas muscles. Chiropractic
and physical therapy massages in conjuction with constant stretches and exercises
help regain normal health to your psoas muscles. Correcting your posture
is also important during this process as a slouched or forward head posture
increases the stress on the resting length of the psoas. Gently releasing
tight, tense psoas muscles can go a long way to restoring the natural functions
and balance of your body.
