Got hip pain or anterior leg pain?

Note: This blog is not intended for treatment or diagnosis of a medical condition and is for informational purposes only.

If you answered yes this pain could be caused by the Iliopsoas (i·lee·uh·sow·uhs) muscle. Two muscles intersect to create the Iliopsoas. The Psoas Major and Iliacus. The Psoas Major is a deep abdominal muscle. The Psoas Major muscle originates at the transverse process of the lumbar vertabrae and inserts at the lesser trochanter of the femur (upper portion of the femur). The Iliacus muscle originates in the Iliac Fossa (anterior portion of the hip) and joins the insertion of the Psoas Major at the lesser trochanter of the femur.

https://images.app.goo.gl/S4mfADnG3vDUtFLR7

Actions of the iliopsoas muscle:

• Flexor of the hip (bring the knee closer to the chest)

• Laterally rotates the hip (turning leg out and away from the body)

• Adducts the hip (bringing leg in towards the body)

Dysfuction of the Iliopsoas group can result in:

• Pain with extending (bringing your leg back) your hip(s)

• Discomfort when standing straight and pushing your hip(s) forward.

• Muscle “knots” or trigger points in the front of your hip(s)

• Pain and/or weakness when lifting your leg up (climbing stairs for example)

• Pain in the lowback

Psoas syndrome is a disorder of the iliopsoas muscle leading to back pain, groin pain, snapping hip, buttock pain, or difficulty standing. Psoas dysfunctions are common in athletes but can also impact the general population due to their frequent activation as a hip flexor during walking and everyday activities.

The Iliopsoas is an often overlooked muscle when clients complain of low back pain, anterior hip pain, anterior leg pain or deep hip pain. Many therapists either don't know how to work the Iliopsoas muscle or are uncomfortable working it because in order to access the iliopsoas muscle the therapist must work in the lower abdominal area. This work takes time and needs to be performed slow with client involvement and client feedback. In my experience a large majority of therapists will address other muscles of the LB, hip or leg that could be causing the pain. This can result in the relief from pain not lasting long or no relief of pain.