Anyone who sits at a computer or in their car all day knows what it feels like to have a tight psoas (hip flexor). The psoas is located in the front of the hip (around the groin) and attaches to the lumbar spine and the femur. It’s main job is to flex the hip and trunk, but it also stabilizes the spine and pelvis while walking and standing (running, stair climbing, mountain climbing…. you get it). No wonder we have pain and stiffness after keeping it contracted for hours while sitting! When this muscle is too tight it can cause:

Lower back pain
SI joint dysfunction
Hip pain/ impingement/bursitis
Pelvic pain/asymmetry
Patellar tendonitis/knee pain
Foot pain

You may have learned how to stretch your hip flexor by extending the hip and holding it in a static stretched position. This may release some tension in the area ,but this position also has the tendency to cause more lower back and hip pain because of the extra strain it causes on already tighten and weak structures. The latest research has shown that ACTIVE stretching is more beneficial and may reduce the likelihood of further injury. This quick video shows some active release techniques - all you need is a yoga mat and a strap/ dog leash/belt of any kind.

Give it a try! Kaye PT