Meet Your Muscles: The Psoas

Where is it?

The psoas muscle (pronounced so-azz) is a deep muscle that runs from your lower spine, through your pelvis, and attaches to the top of your thigh bone. It is difficult to feel because it is underneath all of your abdominal organs. It is one of the main muscles that helps connect your upper body to your legs.

What does it do?

The psoas muscle is important for movement, posture, and stability. It helps lift your leg when you walk, run, or climb stairs, and helps you sit up from laying down. It also plays a key role in keeping your lower back and hips aligned, supporting good posture.

What makes it hurt?

The psoas muscle can become tight or painful from sitting too much, poor posture, or overuse from activities like running or cycling. Stress and tension can also cause it to tighten, leading to lower back, hip, or even knee pain.

How can massage help?

Massage can help relax the psoas muscle, improving flexibility and reducing tightness. Deep tissue techniques can release tension, relieve pain, and improve movement in the hips and lower back. Since the psoas is deep in the body, a trained therapist may need to use specific techniques to reach it effectively.

What can I do besides massage to help it?

Stretching and strengthening exercises can help keep the psoas flexible and strong. Yoga poses like lunges or the butterfly stretch can lengthen the muscle, while core exercises can improve stability. Avoiding long periods of sitting and maintaining good posture can also prevent tightness and discomfort.