The iliopsoas is made up of two muscles, the iliacus and the psoas major.  They originate on the ilium (wait bone) and lower thoracic to lumbar spine respectively.  These muscle blend together as the cross the hip joint, creating one tendon that attaches at the less trochanter of the femur (thigh bone).  The major action of these muscles is to flex the hip joint.  This action is important for bringing the leg forward as we walk, or lifting the leg to climb stairs, or get into a car.

A strain is when the muscle fibers, or tendinous fibers become overstretched and can tear.  This leads to inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation.  The injury can occur from participation in sports, or just participating in everyday activities. The first steps when dealing with this injury should be P.R.I.C.E. protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. The tissue needs time to heal and repair before we start the rehabilitation process.  Physical therapy can be beneficial to assist not only in the early phases of healing, but also transitioning our patients safely to the rehab process for return to activities.

Associated Symptoms:

• Anterior hip pain/burning
• Groin pain
• Hip snapping/catching
• Pain with flexing(lifting) the leg
• Pain with walking
• Lower stomach and/or low back pain