Psoas

The psoas (plural: psoai) refers to either of two muscles in the human lower back and hip region. The psoas major is the larger and more significant muscle, originating from the lumbar vertebrae and connecting to the femur. It's a key hip flexor, crucial for activities involving bending at the waist, walking, and running. The psoas minor, often absent, is a smaller, more superficial muscle. Dysfunction or tightness in the psoas can contribute to lower back pain, hip pain, and postural imbalances. Proper psoas function supports core stability and efficient movement patterns. Maintaining a healthy psoas is critical for overall physical well-being. Chronic tightness is a common issue related to sedentary lifestyles.

Psoas meaning with examples

• After a long day of sitting at her desk, Sarah experienced significant stiffness in her hips, which she suspected was related to a tight psoas. She realized that this tightness limited her range of motion when she went for her evening walk. She decided to incorporate some psoas-stretching exercises. This would help to prevent the discomfort from developing into more serious issues.
• As a physical therapist, Michael assessed a patient experiencing persistent lower back pain and quickly identified an overactive psoas. The psoas was pulling the patient's spine forward, disrupting proper posture and leading to pain in the lower back. He demonstrated to the patient several exercises focused on lengthening and strengthening the psoas and surrounding muscles.
• During a yoga class, the instructor emphasized the importance of engaging the psoas during core exercises, demonstrating a proper position during movements to activate the psoas. This activation helps improve core stability. This allows for more effective performance of asanas while protecting the spine. The class benefitted by this key instruction from the instructor.
• Elite runners prioritize psoas health to enhance their performance and minimize the risk of injury. Strengthening the psoas allows for greater hip flexion, longer strides, and more efficient running mechanics. They frequently incorporate psoas-focused exercises as part of their training regime. Regular attention prevents imbalances that might impact efficiency or increase injury risk.