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Hip flexor pain treatment
The hip flexor or m. (musculus) Iliopsoas, is a large and powerful muscle located at the front of the hip. The hip flexor is made up of two, sometimes three other muscles, the psoas major, the iliacus and sometimes the psoas minor. Not all people are born with a psoas minor. The main function of the hip flexor is to bend the hip forward and rotate it outwards. The muscle also allows us to bend our body sideways.
The muscle plays a central role in our movement and posture. It is not uncommon for this muscle to become stiff and/or overworked. Playing sports, being very sedentary, aging, injury or even certain medical conditions are factors that can affect the hip flexor.
What causes hip flexor pain?
Having pain in the hip flexor can have several different causes. Overexertion, sitting still for long periods, poor posture, or excessive exercise can all contribute to hip flexor discomfort. Age and certain medical conditions, such as arthritis and trochanteritis, can also cause hip flexor pain.
Why do you get pain in hip flexors?
Hip flexor pain can occur when the muscles become short and tight. This can happen due to inactivity or overexertion. When muscles are short and tight, it can create an imbalance in strength and range of motion. This will increase the risk of overexertion, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of having short hip flexors?
Short hip flexors can lead to a variety of symptoms. The most common is pain and a feeling of fatigue in the lower back. Pain around the hips and knees, reduced mobility in the hips, and poor posture with a forward tilted pelvis and an increased curve in the lumbar spine are also common.
Hip flexor pain when pregnant
During pregnancy, the body undergoes many major changes. With an increase in body weight and with a change in the center of gravity, it is common to experience pain in hip flexors. During pregnancy, the fascia in the body becomes much softer and acquires a more unstable collagen. This means that the muscles will have to work harder to stabilize the joints. The growing belly and increased curve of the lumbar spine create even more strain on the hip flexors.
Back pain in case of hip flexor problems
Hip flexor problems often lead to lower back pain or hip pain. This is because the short and tight hip flexor muscles pull on the lumbar spine and pelvis. This causes the muscle to have a smaller range of motion and less strength. As a result, the hip flexors are more easily overworked and low back pain develops.
When and where should I seek treatment for hip flexor pain?
If you experience persistent hip flexor pain that does not improve with rest and home care, you should seek professional help. Attending fascia treatment at the Fascia Clinics is an effective way to reduce pain and tension in the hip flexors.
How is hip flexor pain treated?
At the FasciaClinics, we analyze the whole body to see where compensations and misalignments exist and how they have spread. Fascia treatment for hip flexor pain involves balancing the body to even out the load on the pelvis and lumbar spine, reducing the risk of injury and strain. The entire pelvis is corrected and the spine and legs are balanced and relieved. The treatment is done both manually and mechanically with gentle vibrations. The vibration removes congestion in the fascia and starts its flow so that the cells can more easily absorb substances. This improves the body’s own ability to heal itself. The treatment does not hurt and is often experienced as very pleasant.
Hip flexor exercises – What can I do myself?
There are several good exercises that you can do yourself to relieve and prevent hip flexor pain. These exercises focus on strengthening and stretching the hip flexor muscles. Read more about exercises for hip flexors.
Hip flexor stretch
Stretching the hip flexor is an important part of the treatment for pain in this muscle group. Regular stretching can help reduce pain and tension and improve mobility. Read more about hip flexor stretch.
Frequently asked questions and answers about Hip Flexors
How to strengthen the hip flexor
You can strengthen the hip flexor through targeted exercises such as squats, lunges and planks.
Why should you stretch your hip flexor?
Stretching can help prevent pain and stiffness in the hip flexor.
What is the function of the hip flexor?
The main function of the hip flexor is to bend the hip forward and rotate it outwards. The muscle also allows us to bend our body sideways.
What is a common problem with tight hip flexors?
Tight hip flexors can lead to muscle imbalances. This can create pain and discomfort in the lower back and hips.
Which muscles are part of the hip flexor?
The hip flexor is made up of two, sometimes three other muscles, the psoas major, the iliacus and sometimes the psoas minor. Some people are born without a psoas minor muscle.
