The iliopsoas muscle is the major flexor of your hip joint.
Its made up of two muscles: theiliacus, thepsoasmajor.
Your body has two iliopsoas muscles: one at the left hip, and one at the right hip.
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Injury to the iliopsoas may causehip pain and limited mobility.
Anatomy of the Iliopsoas Muscle
The iliopsoas consists of two distinct muscles.
They are usually grouped together due to their common attachment point on your femur (thigh bone).
The iliacus muscle gets nerve supply from thefemoral nerveat lumbar levels two, three, and four.
The psoas major is innervated by direct branches of the lumbar plexus, specifically from L1-L3.
The psoas minor receives nerve supply from lumbar level one.
The iliopsoas muscle gets blood supply from the iliolumbar artery that arises from the internal iliac artery.
Anatomical Variations
The psoas minor has been shown to be absent in 40% of the population.
The main action of the iliopsoas is to flex your hip.
This means that it bends your hip toward your body, as in the action of marching.
Its considered the major flexor of your hip.
This shows up when you are lying on your back and go to sit up.
The psoas major contracts and pulls your lumbar spine into flexion to help you rise.
The psoas muscles also assist with bending your spine backward into extension.
This is often referred to as the psoas paradox.
Why Does My Iliopsoas Muscle Hurt?
Associated Conditions
Many different problems may involve your iliopsoas.
While these problems are prevalent in athletes, they can affect anyone.
These conditions may or may not affect the iliopsoas directly.
If you are experiencing hip pain or difficulty walking, you should visit your physician right away.
They can help diagnose your condition and guide you to the correct treatment.
Your PT may recommend various treatments for your iliopsoas.
These may include some of the following.
Stop any activity thats causing hip pain.
Rest is usually recommended, and then resume gentle stretches and strengthening exercises.
Resistance can be added with cuff weights or with a resistance band.
it’s possible for you to also strengthen your iliopsoas while standing.
Simply use a resistance loop that is tied to a stable object.
Place the loop around your ankle, maintain an upright posture, and flex your straight leg forward.
Hold the flexed position for three seconds, and then slowly release.
Strengthening exercises can be done for 15 to 20 repetitions.
Two or three sets can be done once a day.
Stop if you feel any increasing pain while doing the exercise.
Sometimes,lumbar side-glidingis helpful.
Check with your PT to determine the correct exercise for your specific lumbar condition.
After a few days of ice, heat can be used for 15 minutes several times a day.
The procedure, often called a psoas release, is difficult to do, and it may be painful.
Once the iliopsoas is palpated, gentle massage or a static press on the muscle may be done.
After a few minutes of massage, the psoas is released.
Summary
The iliopsoas muscle is a major hip flexor that also helps to move your spine.
Knowing the anatomy of this muscle can help you make good choices in caring for an iliopsoas injury.
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