The other day after class someone said “what’s the deal with the psoas and why is everyone talking about it now, like they just discovered it?” I then thought of all the stuff I read on social media about the human body, and the psoas does come up quite a bit more and more over the past 3 or 4 years. I think it’s finally become mainstream because of the fact that people are sitting more and more each day causing their hips to be in a closed or shortened position. As a result of this chronic shortened position of the entire hip, the psoas gets the most irritated because it is one of the only muscles attached to the hip that also attaches to the lumbar spine. This can cause a variety of postural issues and even breathing dysfunctions. It’s also a major cause of lower back pain. According to experts, back pain is the number one cause of lost work days in the U.S.
What can one do to prevent this crippling pain?
- Hydrate – Dehydration can cause the disc between each vertebrae to lose flexibility and even height. Measure your height first thing in the morning and then at night and see if you’re taller in the morning.
- Move your body – Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs proper circulation to be at its best. Sitting still for too long can cause stiffness and even muscle atrophy.
- Eat veggies – Many plants provide anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins that can help with soreness and recovery of physical activity.
- Rest – Deep sleep is the only time your body recharges the mind and body.
My top 2 stretches for hip tightness
No equipment is necessary, just you and your body.
