Psoas Muscle

Question 1

Know the actions and key function of the psoas

Answer 1

1. Flexes lumbars
2. Advances the limb
3. Laterally rotates the thigh
4. Stabilizes the pelvis

Key Function: stabilize SI joint

Question 2

Know the exam findings that indicate a hypertonic psoas (9)

Answer 2

1. Pain on palpation of LS junction, sacral base, and intertransverse joint
2. Lateral traction of sacral apex will be painful
3. Pain with ventral pressure over SI joints
4. Shortened caudal phase of stride
5. Difficult to pick up and extend limb caudally
6. Slight raise in paralumbar muscles
7. Ventral pressure on last 3 ribs lateral to longissimus is painful
8. Pain from T16-L3 just off midline for the psoas minor
9. Pain in the DSIL

Question 3

Know what behavioral change may be seen with a hypertonic psoas

Answer 3

Nervous or anxious (sympathetic overdrive)

Question 4

Know when in training it is common to see a psoas problem

Answer 4

Beginning to train Piaffe or when beginning to jump larger jumps (esp if has poor jumping style)

Question 5

Describe the technique used to release a hypertonic psoas and how frequently it should be done

Answer 5

Need 2 people – one on each side. Fencer’s stance and contact the tuber coxae, apply slowly increasing pressure towards the sacro-coxygeal junction. Hold for 3 minutes then slowly release.

Question 6

Know the function of the multifidus

Answer 6

Stabilizes and rotates the vertebrae, contributes 2/3 total increase in spine stiffness

Question 7

Know the reason the multifidus is so important in proprioception and postural control

Answer 7

high concentrations of MSC,

Question 8

How is the multifidus affected with back pain or injury? And how soon after injury is it affected?

Answer 8

24 hours, asymmetry found in areas of spine with osseous pathology