The hidden cause of lower back pain

The psoas muscle is a very deep muscle that connects your torso to your legs.  It affects your posture and helps you to stabilise your spine.    In fact, whether you run, bike, dance, practice yoga, or just hang out on your couch, your psoas muscles are involved.

A person suffering from IlioPsoas syndrome may have pain in the hip and thigh region, as well as hip stiffness and in some cases a clicking or snapping hip.

Other signs which may indicate an unhappy psoas muscle are:

  1. Knee pain – if there is no obvious source then it may be your psoas muscle.
  2. Constipation – a tight psoas muscle can cause or contribute to constipation.
  3. Menstrual cramps – a tight psoas muscle can put pressure on reproductive organs contributing to menstrual cramps.

The reason thatthe psoas is often the hidden cause of lower back pain in our clients is that prolonged periods of sitting cause the psoas muscle to contract.   A deep tissue or sports massage is the perfect way to release a tight psoas.

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