DID YOU KNOW...

...the cause of your low back pain often arises in the front of the spine where the large hip flexor muscles lie hidden behind your abdomen?

The Iliopsoas (psoas for short) may be the cause for your low back pain. While you may feel the pain in your back, the problem often arises in the front of the spine where the large psoas muscles are located. These muscles are strong "hip-flexors" and can malfunction when they become contracted in a shortened position from sitting a great deal. Athletes may have problems with tight hip flexors from running, kicking and other functions that overuse the iliopsoas. "Weekend warriors" and those people returning to exercise from inactivity may also feel the effects of tight psoas muscles in their low back.

The psoas muscles affect the hamstrings, the piriformis, and essentially, the other hip and thigh muscles and when malfunctioning they contribute to hip, low back and leg pain. The tight psoas will
cause the hip to rotate forward and increase the lumbar curve of the low back. This imbalance distorts posture and may eventually give you neck pain, as well.

It is important for the therapist to work from the front of the body at appropriate times in order to relieve the pain patterns that are felt in the back. Because of the location of the iliopsoas muscles behind your abdominal organs, the trained therapist will work gently to release the contraction of the muscles in order to relieve your low back, hip or leg pain.

At SeaStones Natural Therapies, our goal is to enhance your health and wellness. We specialize in pain relief caused by injury, stress, and imbalance and take a holistic approach to your wellness. We consistently strive to improve our skills and knowledge through related continuing education so that we may better serve you.

For more information about our customized therapeutic massage services, please give us a call, (203) 481-7866.