Back Pain Treatment Does Wonders
At times I have those who will report pain and difficulty when attempting to stand after extended periods or sitting after driving or reading, seated at a desk or computer, sleeping in a hip flexed or side lying fetal position. They may report that the pain started when they tried to get out of bed or reached for the keys that fell onto the floor. When those who come to me are concerned about their back pain, looking for answers and relief one of the techniqes I may perform a technique to release the Iliopsoas Muscle.
What Is the Psoas Muscle? Why Is It Important?
There are two psoas muscles on each side of the back. The larger one is called the psoas major and the smaller the psoas minor. The psoas major, often known as “the might psoas,” originates at the spine around the bottom of the rib cage and runs down the thigh along the femur. The psoas major works by flexing the hip. The psoas minor also originates at the spine around the bottom of the rib cage, but it runs down to the bony pelvis. It acts to flex the lower spine.
The psoas helps us perform all sorts of daily activities, including freeing the legs for walking and running. The psoas muscle is also vital in providing good posture. Anyone who takes Pilates knows the psoas intimately — the form of exercise is praised for improving psoas muscle health and related back pain.
A published article in the Journal of American Osteopathic Association identified the psoas as an important muscle linked to our core muscle development. The psoas had been initially overlooked as a solution for back pain that a 48-year-old man had been experiencing. He received osteopathic manipulative treatment (The Psoas Release), defined as hands-on care by a trained professional. Using the hands, a trained professional can help diagnose, treat and even prevent illness or injury by moving the muscles and joints with stretching techniques, gentle pressure and resistance. The patient enjoyed significant improvement, confirming that with a\ the help of a professional, combined with the commitment of the patient to perform specific stretches at home, back pain can be eliminated without surgery.
Symptoms of Psoas Problems
- Lower back pain, the most common symptom.
- Pain when sitting or particularly when changing positions arising for sitting to standing
- Difficulty/pain when trying to stand in a fully erect posture
- Pain in the buttocks
- Radiation of pain down the leg
- Groin pain
- Pelvic pain
- Limping or shuffling stride when you walk
- Restriction moving the thigh backward
- Deep pelvic pain, on the side that feels tight
- Deep “bellyache”
- Chronic constipation
Are you concerned this may be you? The earlier a person begins treatment, the less the pain will affect their day-to-day life and there is less physical, sociological, emotional and financial consequences. Do you want to know more?
Just give us a call 808-333-3688 or stop by our conveniently located Puhi Clinic, we would be happy to tell you more about it. We take most insurance programs to assist with your program. Have no insurance? No problem, we have programs designed to make it affordable.
Paula Rego, PT at Kauai Therapy & Wellness, performing the Psoas Release Technique on a client
