Last summer, I challenged myself by participating in an endurance event where I hiked the equivalent vertical gain of Mt. Everest. Despite my training, my body responded by locking up my hips, leaving me in discomfort. To address this issue, I had to learn how to release my psoas muscle.
Experts in the field, including Jill Miller, Lawrence Van Lingen, and Sarah Crawford, provided valuable insights on the importance of the psoas muscle. The event, called Everesting, required climbing 29,029 feet in three days, which my husband and I did in Snowbasin, Utah. The strenuous hike of 2.3 miles up, repeated 13 times, took a toll on my right hip flexor, causing significant discomfort.
In the onsite recovery room, therapists offered various tools and techniques to alleviate my hip flexor tension. After experiencing limited mobility and pain, I sought additional treatment to address my psoas muscle. The psoas, often overlooked, is a vital muscle that plays a significant role in core stability and overall movement.
The therapists helped me understand the connection between the psoas, diaphragm, and overall body movement. It was through targeted massage, stretching, and other techniques that I was able to release the tension in my psoas and improve my performance.
It is essential to address symptoms of a tight psoas, which can include low back pain, hip or groin pain, and limited range of motion. Working with skilled professionals can help alleviate discomfort and restore balance in the body. Implementing exercises like the supported bridge and using tools like therapy balls can aid in releasing tension in the psoas and promoting overall muscle health.
