Mm. Iliopsoas
Location and radiation of the iliopsoas trigger points
The iliopsoas muscle, often simply referred to as the ‘iliopsoas’, is a large muscle that plays a vital role in many movements of the lower body. Comprising two separate muscles – the iliacus and the psoas major – it plays a vital role in stabilising and moving the hip. In this overview, we will examine the anatomy, function and clinical significance of the iliopsoas.
Anatomy of the iliopsoas
The iliopsoas consists of two muscles: the psoas major and the iliacus. The psoas major originates from the sides and underside of the lumbar vertebrae and runs down through the pelvis before joining the iliacus. The iliacus originates from the inner side of the pelvis (ilium) and joins the psoas major at the lower end of the pelvis. Both muscles merge and insert onto the lesser trochanter of the femur (thigh bone).
Function of the iliopsoas
The iliopsoas plays a crucial role in various movements and stabilisation tasks:
- Hip flexion: As the primary hip flexor, the iliopsoas is instrumental in bringing the knee towards the chest or lifting the leg forwards.
- Pelvic stabilisation: The iliopsoas helps to stabilise the pelvis in a neutral position, which is crucial for balance and correct posture.
- Lateral flexion of the lumbar spine: When the iliopsoas contracts on one side, it can contribute to lateral flexion of the lumbar spine.
Clinical significance of the iliopsoas
Various health issues can affect the iliopsoas, including overuse, shortening (often due to sedentary activities or insufficient stretching) and inflammation. Such problems can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain in the hip, lower back and even the knee. Furthermore, problems with the iliopsoas can lead to restricted movement and postural changes, which in turn can cause other health problems.
Treatment of the iliopsoas with microcurrent
The patient observation study conducted by McMakin (2004) highlighted the effect of microcurrent therapy on patients with chronic lower back pain, particularly in conjunction with treatment of the iliopsoas muscle. The results of this study showed a significant reduction in pain intensity by a factor of 3.8 after an average of six treatments, highlighting the potential effectiveness of microcurrent therapy for pain relief.
Microcurrent therapy is a form of electrical stimulation that uses very low currents (in the microampere range) to support the body’s natural healing process. This type of therapy helps to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve blood circulation and thereby contribute to cell regeneration.
The focus of the therapy on the iliopsoas in this case study is of particular significance, as this muscle plays a key role in supporting the lumbar spine and in hip movements. In people with chronic lower back pain, it is common for the iliopsoas to be tense or shortened, which can contribute to the onset or persistence of pain.
Targeted treatment of the iliopsoas using microcurrent therapy reduced muscle tension, thereby improving function and mobility. This, in turn, led to significant pain relief, which underlines the role of the iliopsoas in lower back pain and the potential of microcurrent therapy for treating such conditions. (McMakin (2004, p. 149)
Summary
The iliopsoas is a key muscle for many movements and for lower body stability. Although it is often overlooked, problems with it can cause considerable pain and restricted movement. A better understanding of the anatomy and function of the iliopsoas is therefore crucial for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of, amongst other things, lower back pain.
