The Iliopsoas runs from the lumbar spine anteriorly to the undersurface of the pubis bone, as it contracts it increase lumbar lordosis or, hip flexion. It is often tight when there is a hip condition present. Conditions such as arthritic hip or labral tears often lead to a taut band and trigger points within the Iliopsoas. The trigger point pain map for Iliopsoas is mainly felt paraspinally and down to the upper buttock. There may also be an attachment trigger point of tenderness in the upper thigh.
MUSCLE COMMENT
Trigger points in the ilopsoas may also cause inhibition in the gluteus maximus muscle. It has been suggested that there may be a substantial emotional component involved in Iliopsoas dysfunction (The vital Psoas Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones). Whatever the underlying cause, releasing trigger points in the psoas muscle can be enormously beneficial. A word of caution though, trigger points in the iliopsoas rarely occur in isolation. Its always worth checking for leg length issues, poor footwear and or postural issues.
How do you treat trigger these trigger points? We’d be delighted if you want to share your own best practice.