And what to do instead
As a Yoga teacher of nearly 40 years, I am well acquainted with the ongoing challenges of tight psoas muscles. I also have had a front seat view of how stretching will not relieve psoas tightness.
This is because the nervous system controls the tension and response of the psoas muscle, and stretching will not change the habits of the nervous system!
Stretching Can Relieve Psoas Tightness Temporarily
Yes, I am saying stretching will not relieve psoas tightness, but there is a caveat. Stretching can loosen and relax the muscle for a short time, providing a relief from discomfort. But, as soon as normal habits of movements kick in, the relief will be gone.
Habits of movement are controlled by your nervous system. So, if you want to relieve psoas tightness, you have to address your habits of movement.
If your psoas keeps tightening, something is unstable or compensating in your movement!
Learning to Move Well Can Relieve Your Psoas Tightness!
Instead of stretching to relieve psoas tightness, think about how your hip might gain more mobility WITHOUT stretching. I know, this can be an odd concept. But let’s try something:
Lie on your back on the floor with your knees bent. When you do this, you help place your psoas in a more neutral position. Now, look at your knees. Do they stay facing the ceiling, or do they wander out to the side? If they wander, that is a sign of a psoas overworking.
Pick one hip to work with first. Can you make a very small movement of the knee out to the side while picturing the movement of your hip joint? Here is a picture of the hip joint ball and socket to help. The psoas crosses this joint.
Make the movement very tiny, going for smoothness. Don’t push. Do it 10-15x and FEEL what is happening. When you rest, the chances are you will feel some psoas relief! If not, spread your feet wider and try making the movement in towards your center. Try the other side!
Learning to Walk Well Can Relieve Your Psoas Tightness
In this video, you can learn how the Psoas Major Muscle swings your leg and helps alleviate “catching” and pain in the hip joint. Discover how you can relieve hip pain with a simple somatic movement and embodiment exercise.
There is a new model for pain relief and physical and mental health that is revolutionizing the way we think about movement. Embodiment and Somatic movement can help relieve chronic & acute pain and aid the healing process from injury.
If you need help or resources for Your Gait or Psoas, Keep reading
I offer ongoing walking workshops and one one-on-one sessions. These classes and workshops are invaluable because our human bodies evolved to walk. It really is what we are meant ot be doing and I can help you stay pain and injury free. You can also visit my YouTube Yoga, Somatics and Walking Playlist
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