Releasing the hip flexors

It surprises me when people haven’t had their psoas released before. This is because so many people have a tight psoas muscle! And there are a number of reasons why:

• prolonged sitting

• Stress

• Shallow breathing

• Excessive running or training

• Certain low back postures

The psoas muscle is a key player in your hip flexors. The psoas major connects to each of the five vertebrae in your lower back and extends down to attach to your femur (thigh bone). As it travels, the psoas major merges with another muscle, the iliacus, forming the iliopsoas group.

The main function of the iliopsoas is hip flexion, which means it helps lift your thigh towards your torso. You can feel this muscle in action if you lift the back of your knee while sitting.

Your Psoas is crucial for stability during activities like walking and running, as its attachment to the lower back helps stabilize the spine. When the posas muscle tightens—due to prolonged sitting, excessive running or training, or certain lower back postures—it can create significant tension on your spine. This tension can result in lower back, hip, or groin pain, especially during walking or running.

Regular stretching, strength training, a strong dynamic posture and Remedial Massage can help keep this muscle in check and keep you moving freely, without Pain.

Written by Tarren Hehir, Remedial Massage Therapist

• Treating the communities of Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Carlton North, Carlton, Collingwood, Clifton Hill, East Melbourne, Northcote, Richmond, Abbotsford.