As you look deeply into your abdominal core from the front, the final layer of muscle attached to your lower back or lumbar spine is the Psoas Major.
This anchor for our lower or lumbar spine is coupled in the lower back by our spinal erector muscle group. This gives our very vulnerable lumbar spine support and stability.
Like everywhere else in our body structure, the balance between both sides of the joints is crucial to achieving optimal position, mobility, and function.
IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY PSOAS
Tight psoas muscle can lead to what some call "muscular amnesia," causing adaptive shortening of the hip flexors and weakening of the lumbar muscles. This imbalance can severely impact postural control in the lower back, affecting mobility, stride length, and overall structural balance.
But that's not all
The psoas muscle's attachments to the diaphragm influence breathing and oxygen uptake, emphasising the significance of maintaining healthy and lengthened psoas muscles.
Lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting, wearing tight clothing, and improper footwear can contribute to the chronic stress on the psoas, potentially leading to back, hip, or knee pain, breathing issues, and digestive problems.
It could also be a major cause of why people suffer from chronic physical pain.
The psoas has another crutial role...
In addition to its function to help keep the body upright and moving, the psoas is the link and connector between our upper and lower bodies. This creates a smooth distribution of ground reaction forces from toe to occiput.
Lengthening the psoas, whether for increased speed or improved breathing, will make you feel more grounded and more aware of your lumbar pelvic pivot point, often referred to as your center of gravity.
In our opinion, almost all back pain and knee pain is linked or associated with constricted and dysfunctional psoas movement.
When you are made aware of where the psoas is, what it feels like when touched and how, when released, it can reset the whole of your body structure you will realize how free you really can be. Just let it go and see what your movement potential is and how your mental stress just fades away.
relieving tight psoas muscles
Addressing psoas muscle tightness often requires a combination of deep tissue massage and stretching.
Stretching exercises can effectively help relieve tightness in the hip flexors by lengthening the fascia around the muscle, correcting postural imbalances, and alleviating strain on the lower back.
Regularly practicing specific stretching yoga poses like the Crescent Lunge pose or the Ustrasana (Camel Pose) can be beneficial in maintaining psoas muscle flexibility and function.
However, few men have the time, the inclination, or the patience required in regular yoga practice, let alone flexible enough to get started. So those with little time to spare will greatly appreciate the assistance of a well trained and experienced Stretch therapist performing AIS Assisted Stretching on them.
If you are experiencing discomfort due to tight psoas muscle and seek fast and lasting results, consider exploring the Active Isolated Stretching technique offered by professionals trained in addressing tight psoas muscle issues effectively.