17/11/2025
The Psoas muscle
Deep in the core of your body lies the Psoas muscle, one of the most influential muscles.
This muscle is a dynamic connector of structure, movement, and the stress response. When it’s irritated or overloaded, the psoas can create pain which doesn’t always show up where you expect. Such as;
Low Back Pain
When the psoas shortens, it pulls the lumbar spine forward, compressing joints and discs. This can create aching, stiffness, or sharp pain when standing up or arching the back.
Groin Pain
Because the psoas attaches near the inner pelvis and upper femur, dysfunction can mimic groin strains or deep pelvic discomfort, especially with walking or lifting the leg.
Front of Hip Pain
An overactive psoas can feel like a “pinch” at the front of the hip. Prolonged sitting, stress, or compensations from weak glutes often contribute.
Abdominal or Pelvic Discomfort
Tension in the psoas can affect surrounding fascia and organs, creating deep, vague aches that feel hard to pinpoint.
Referred Knee or Sacroiliac Pain
Because the psoas influences pelvic alignment, it can indirectly load the SI joints or pull the lower limb out of balance causing pain far from the source.
Why?
The psoas sits at a structural and neurological crossroads:
It attaches directly to the lumbar vertebrae, influencing spinal mechanics.
It works closely with the diaphragm, tightening in response to stress or shallow breathing.
It compensates when surrounding muscles or pelvic structures aren’t doing their job.
It reacts quickly to emotional tension, acting almost like a protective guard.
When these systems lose harmony, the psoas often steps in, tightening, shortening, or becoming overactive. Pain is the body’s way of signaling imbalance.
Book your appointment today for a full assessment and Osteopathic treatment.
www.therehabhut.co.uk
Graveoak Lane, Leigh. WN7 3SE
