The psoas is a hip flexor, which can compress the spine when it’s upset. It generally gets upset if we are stressed, or if it’s damaged, or if you don’t pay attention to it. It loves being stretched right out & moved without any help from the spine or tilting of the hips. Due to it’s physiological position, if it is restricted you can experience a myriad of uncomfortable & painful symptoms, such as: compression of the lumbar spine, sciatic pain, general tiredness, sore neck (who’d have guessed?), constipation, painful periods, lack of laughter, and of course a sore back. The tightening process slowly develops over a long time – always tightening – never releasing. Generally speaking, it’s extremely difficult to release the psoas muscle yourself – and it’s not a pleasant thing to do. Once the psoas has been released it’s like the world is once again in colour! You can breathe freely, you feel lighter, you may laugh out of sheer relief. How do you know if your psoas is tight? Generally speaking, if your lower back arches too much, your hip flexors are likely to be too active. The exercise above is called the “Leg Lift & Stretch.” Ensure your hips & spine are in a neutral position while slightly raising your foot about an inch off the ground, then slowly stretch the leg right out, & then back again. Completely stop & reset your spine & hips before beginning the exercise once again.
To free up & give your psoas the love & attention it craves, book in to either have it physically reset with massage, or participate in a Pilates lesson in your very own Clontarf studio, on the beautiful Redcliffe Peninsula.
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