Psoas Tendinitis

Psoas Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Chiropractic Care

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we understand that psoas tendinitis can cause discomfort and significantly affect your mobility. By addressing the underlying issues contributing to the pain, we help you regain strength and mobility without relying on medications or invasive procedures.

What is Psoas Tendinitis?

The psoas muscle, which forms part of the iliopsoas muscle group, runs from your lower spine to your femur. Its primary function is to flex the hip, making it essential for walking, running, sitting, and standing up. When the psoas becomes overworked or irritated, it can develop tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon. This condition can lead to deep, persistent pain in the front of the hip or groin, often mistaken for hip flexor tightness.

Anatomy of the Psoas Muscle

The psoas muscle is unique in that it connects the upper and lower body, running from the lumbar vertebrae through the pelvis to the femur. It works in tandem with the iliacus muscle (forming the iliopsoas) to allow for hip flexion, essential for activities like lifting the legs during walking or climbing stairs. The psoas also plays a vital role in stabilizing the spine and pelvis, making it a critical muscle for maintaining posture and supporting core stability.

The Connection Between the Psoas and the Diaphragm

The psoas is closely connected to the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. These two muscles share fascial connections, meaning that dysfunction in one often affects the other. This relationship between the psoas and the diaphragm helps explain why people with psoas issues may also experience difficulty with breathing or postural stability.

When the psoas becomes tight or inflamed, it can interfere with deep diaphragmatic breathing, leading to shallow chest breathing that places additional strain on the core and lower back muscles. Proper breathing techniques that engage the diaphragm are key to reducing strain on the psoas and alleviating tendinitis symptoms.

Chiropractic Care for Psoas Tendinitis

At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we take a comprehensive approach to treating psoas tendinitis. Treatment often involves:

  • Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments can help realign the spine and pelvis, reducing strain on the psoas muscle and improving overall function.
  • Strengthening and Mobility Training: Targeted exercises help address weaknesses in the hips, lower back, and core, ensuring proper function and reducing strain on the psoas.
  • Breathing Retraining: Correcting diaphragmatic breathing patterns is key to alleviating tension in the psoas. We focus on teaching proper breathing techniques to engage the diaphragm fully and relieve stress on the lower back and hips.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like massage and myofascial release can relieve tightness and promote healing in the psoas and surrounding muscles.
  • Functional Rehabilitation: We work with you to restore proper movement patterns and improve stability in the core and lower body, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Movements and Functions of the Psoas

The psoas is responsible for multiple movements, including:

  • Hip Flexion: The psoas is the primary muscle used to flex the hip, bringing the thigh toward the torso.
  • Lumbar Spine Stability: The psoas provides stabilization for the lower back, especially during dynamic movements like walking or running.
  • Posture Support: It helps maintain upright posture by balancing the spine and pelvis.
  • Core Activation: The psoas activates as part of core stabilization, particularly when transitioning between sitting and standing.

Due to these functions, issues with the psoas can result in pain, tightness, or dysfunction that affects not only the hip but also the lower back and abdominal regions.

Common Causes of Psoas Tendinitis

  • Overuse: Activities such as running, cycling, or prolonged sitting can cause repetitive strain on the psoas tendon.
  • Weakness Misinterpreted as Tightness: Often, individuals perceive tightness in the psoas when it’s actually due to weakness. The body compensates by tightening the muscle, leading to discomfort.
  • Poor Posture: Sitting for extended periods, especially with poor posture, can shorten and weaken the psoas, leading to strain.
  • Improper Breathing Patterns: Shallow breathing due to diaphragm dysfunction can increase tension in the psoas, leading to overuse.

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

Psoas tendinitis is a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. At Frederick Chiropractic Wellness Center, we address the root cause of your pain by focusing on improving strength, mobility, and breathing patterns. Don’t let psoas tendinitis hold you back from living an active life—schedule your consultation today and start your journey toward recovery.

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