The psoas muscle, or iliopsoas muscle, or the hip flexor muscle can be a trick muscle to stretch. It’s important to stretch it though, because it is the muscle that is chronically shortened if you have a job or hobby where you sit all day. That constant state of muscle contraction will reset the default length of the muscle fibers to hold in that position until you do something about it. If you don’t stretch it, it will cause you to hunch over, maybe make the curve in your low back become sway-back. This altered posture will also cause you to eventually experience back pain.
I should also point out that it is also important to keep the psoas muscle strong with regular weight bearing activity such as hiking, walking, running or any other activity involving locomotion. I work with many seniors, and one of the biggest challenges that they have as they start to lose their mobility, is that they are unable to lift their thigh up into a big step. They especially can’t do a high step without losing their balance. Regular activity is important.
This is a nice video that shows you how to stretch the hip flexors at home. This is put together by my distinguished colleague and good friend from Boise, ID: Dr. Noah Edvalson.
Todd Lloyd, DC
These are easy and do-able. Thanks!