Understanding the Psoas Muscle: Your Hidden Core Powerhouse
Today, we’re talking about a deep, often overlooked muscle that plays a huge role in your daily life—and your back health: the psoas muscle.
The psoas is a deep core muscle that connects your lumbar vertebrae (lower spine) to your femur (thigh bone). One of the primary hip flexors, it allows you to lift your legs and move with strength and stability.
Some experts even call it the most vital muscle in your body, and for good reason. You use it constantly, often without realizing it. From getting out of bed in the morning to dancing the night away, from sitting at a desk to running into action in emergency situations, your psoas is hard at work.
Why the Psoas Muscle Matters
The psoas isn’t just about movement. It’s made up of both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers*, meaning it supports both explosive activity and endurance. It stabilizes your spine, supports internal organs, and helps circulate blood and lymph—nourishing cells and removing waste.
But here’s the catch: when your psoas isn’t firing properly, other muscles have to compensate. That compensation often leads to low back pain, pelvic discomfort, or even groin pain.
Signs Your Psoas Might Be Causing Pain
When the psoas is tight or weak, you may notice:
* Pain in your low back
* Discomfort in the front of your hip or groin
* Stiffness after sitting or lying down
* Difficulty performing movements that require lifting your legs or bending
Effective Treatment Options
The good news? Treating the psoas is relatively simple when done correctly. In my clinic, releasing the psoas is a key part of many low back pain treatment plans.
While the release itself may not be the most comfortable part of your session, it’s often wildly effective at restoring mobility and reducing pain. Combined with other therapies—like targeted exercises, posture correction, and functional movement strategies—patients see real improvements in both pain and quality of life.
Take Action: Don’t Let Low Back Pain Hold You Back
If you’ve been struggling with low back or pelvic pain, it might be time to get your psoas checked. There are multiple treatment options available, and finding the right one can restore your freedom of movement and improve your daily life.
Resources:
StemWave Therapy for Back Pain
Platelet Rich Plasma – supporting pain relief and recovery
National Institutes of Health: Hip Flexor and Low Back Pain