Table of Contents
Introduction
Deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas can help with lower back pain. Chronic lower back issues can actually stem from this Hip Flexor, Iliopsoas. In this video I discuss this powerful muscle, watch to learn more.
The Iliopsoas falls under an umbrella of muscles. This umbrella is called the hip flexors. These muscles basically bring the thigh towards the chest. The most prominent ones are the Rectus Femoris, which is one of the Quadriceps muscles. Another is the Tensor Fasciae Latae. The most powerful of them all is the Iliopsoas.
When these muscles become tight and short it can cause issues such as lower back pain. The Iliopsoas is the most common producer of this symptom.
The Iliopsoas
What is it about the Iliopsoas that can cause pain? Anatomically, the Iliopsoas has attachments to the lower thoracic spine, the lumbar spine and the ilium. It also has distal attachments to the “inside” of the upper thigh. The Femur.
Deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas muscle is needed when it becomes short, tight and at times weak. How does this happen?
Typically the muscle become short and tight if you are sitting for prolonged periods. For example, working at the office, sitting for hours. This can shorten this muscle and making it very tight. Over time because of it becoming short and tight, it can change the positioning of your lower spine. It is what is called an excess lordotic curve. This position can irritate the joints of the lower back, spinal segments and cause pain and spasm.
It can also become overused. This can be a product of overworking the muscle at the gym without much stretching. Deep tissue massage for the iliopsoas can be utilized to decrease the amount of tension of this muscle.
Are there certain exercise that can cause Iliopsoas shortening?
Yes. These exercises can include, hill running, knee/leg lifts for your abdominal muscles and hanging leg raises. These are just 3 examples. There are more.
It’s important to emphasize the importance of stretching when it comes to reducing the tightness and shortness of this muscle.
Why use deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas?
Deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas is needed because it is a powerful muscle that can become very tight. A light massage can help but the results can be more short-lived. Below is an image of the Iliopsoas. The Iliopsoas is a deep muscle and lies underneath the abdominal muscles and abdominal contents. There is a level of depth that is required to access it.
Also, the Iliopsoas attachment on the Femur is deep to thick muscles. At times it needs to be accessed to release it.
Deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas is necessary especially for athletic individuals. This is very true for those that participate in sports like soccer, hockey, power lifting and running. Also it is beneficial for those that are gym rats, who exercise their lower bodies intensively.
Due to the depth and aggressiveness that can be needed, there will be a level of pain and discomfort. There is also an element of time. This depends on how long the person has had the tightness.
Remember also that there will be compensating structures or structures that adjust due to the tightness of this muscle. For example, you can feel hamstring tightness because it can be weak and fatigued. This can be because the shortness of the hip flexors have caused an anterior rotation of the pelvis. The Hamstrings counteract this motion and can be overworked. This can give you that feeling of tightness.
This is just one example. There can be adjustments from the glutes, and the lower back muscles. These adjustments or compensations can lead to more pain and discomfort.
What are the treatment benefits?
The benefits of deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas include:
- Decreased pain and discomfort of the lower back and upper thigh
- Improved range of motion of the hip
- Improved flexibility of the muscle
- Diminished activity of trigger point activity. The trigger points of the Iliopsoas muscle can refer into the upper thigh and the lower back.
- All of these benefits can translate to better sports and exercise performance
If you suspect that your Iliopsoas is causing your lower back issues, it’s time to give us a call. It’s time to discuss deep tissue massage for the Iliopsoas.
More resources:
Here are some common questions, about the lower back. Watch now. Did you know that your glute muscles can impact your lower back? Watch this video from our Pain Relief Fitness site, vprc.ca.
