A sedentary sedentary lifestyle has a detrimental effect on the condition of the human musculoskeletal system in general and on the tone of the iliopsoas muscle in particular. Lack of necessary exercise and stretching reduces the functional readiness of this muscle, it weakens.
Prolonged sitting on a chair during the working day leads to a systematic contraction of the iliac and lumbar muscles. Long-term continuous loading negatively affects the elasticity of this muscle group.
Essence and basic principles
The iliopsoas muscle, exercises for training which are directly related to the functions it performs, consists of two large muscle bundles:
- Large lumbar... This muscle is located among the abdominal muscles (under the groin muscle group). The upper part originates from the first 6 vertebrae. At the bottom, it is attached to the small process (trochanter) of the femur. In shape, the psoas muscle resembles a spindle and has a significant cross-section in relation to the rest of the pelvic muscles. The main function of the psoas major muscle is to flex the body at the hip joint.
- Iliac... This muscle bundle is located deep under the abdominal muscles and is located in the iliac fossa. It is to it that the upper edge of the iliac muscle is attached. The lower attachment point completely coincides with the lower edge of the psoas major muscle. The flat and broad iliac muscle actively participates in the process of flexion of the body in the hip joint.
In this way, both muscles have identical functions, in the upper part they come from different points, and in the lower part they are attached by small tendons to the process of the femur.
Innervation (providing muscle tissues and fibers with a connection with the central nervous system, and, consequently, ensuring their functioning) of the iliopsoas muscle - the nerve plexus in the lumbar region.
In addition to flexing the body at the hip joint, the iliopsoas muscle maintains body balance when the joints are fixed. This muscle practically does not participate in the movement process. However, it plays an important role in the formation of a natural physiological bend in the lumbar spine in humans.
In this regard, there are several main risk factors for the iliopsoas muscle (PPM):
| Excessive contraction | Occurs with prolonged motionless sitting. In this case, exercise is required to help relax the muscle. Static loads and slow measured movements from yoga allow you to cope with this task, as well as stretch the MRP. |
| Muscle degradation | A sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular physical activity leads to a weakening of the iliopsoas muscle. Strengthening the PMR requires strength exercises to train the abdominal cavity. |
In view of all the features discussed above, concerning the anatomical structure of the muscle, the places of its attachment and the functions it performs, the main set of exercises is formed to strengthen the PPM, stretch and relaxation. To restore the muscle, it is necessary to take into account each of the factors affecting the malfunctioning of the iliopsoas muscle.
Indications for the beginning of use
The iliopsoas muscle is subject to two main types of deformity: atrophy and hypertonicity. Doing hard work, exercise, or a sedentary lifestyle leads to hypertonicity of the PPM.
This can cause the following diseases:
- Hyperlordosis. It manifests itself with a spasm of the iliopsoas muscle. It is accompanied by excessive deflection in the lower back and increased stress on the spine.
- Impaired renal excretory function... A tense PPM compresses the organs of the human excretory system and prevents them from performing their main function.
- Digestive problems... The deep location of the muscle makes the abdominal organs dependent on the correct functioning of the muscle.
With atrophy of the PPM, a person develops a stoop in the thoracic spine and flat back syndrome in the lumbar spine. Incorrect muscle work leads to its further degeneration. As a result, the hip joint is displaced.
Contraindications for use
The range of exercises for strengthening, stretching and relaxing the iliopsoas muscle is extensive. You can choose the necessary movement from training programs in athletics or remedial gymnastics. However, before starting exercise, you should consult a physiotherapist or healthcare professional for advice.
Helpful hints
A set of basic exercises for training PPM does not require additional equipment. All movements can be performed at home. However, it is best not to run the iliopsoas muscle and exercise as a preventive measure. So the PPM takes an active part when running or walking.
To strengthen the muscle, it is enough to practice walking for 25-40 minutes. Everyday.
Main complex
The iliopsoas muscle, for which exercises are divided into three main groups, may need to be strengthened, stretched, or relaxed. The return of the PPM of the functions lost in the process of vital activity can be associated with each of the described methods.
A set of yoga exercises is used to stretch and lengthen the iliopsoas muscle.
Physiotherapy based on static load fixation allows you to simultaneously stretch and strengthen the target muscle group.
The following complex of therapeutic and prophylactic measures has become widespread:
- Exercise "Horseman". It is performed by analogy with classic attacks on one leg without stepping forward. Starting position: the left leg is set far forward in front of you, the right leg is laid as far back as possible. And the indicated position is carried out by lowering down until the knee of the right leg touches the floor. In this case, at the lowest point, the thigh of the front left leg should be parallel to the floor. As you train, the heel of the frontal limb can be moved closer to the buttocks. The student's body should be located perpendicular to the floor (a slight backward shift from the vertical plane is allowed). It is important to monitor the maintenance of the physiological deflection in the lower back. After a delay in the indicated position for 5-15 seconds. you should change the position of the legs. The right limb extends forward, and the left limb moves back.
- Stretching from a sitting position on the floor. Sit on a flat surface, legs in front of you, knees bent. It is necessary to connect the lower parts of both feet, with the knees spreading out to the sides and touching the floor. From this position, the body should be tilted forward until the chest touches the floor or as deep as possible. With sufficient flexibility, it is possible to bend forward with legs straight, extended forward and flat. In this case, you should grab your feet with your hands and go down as deep as possible, pulling the body down with your hands.
One of the most common ways to strengthen the iliopsoas muscle is to do horizontal bar exercises. Hanging leg pull-ups can be carried out both in the style of static and dynamic loads.
Exercises on the horizontal bar:
| Raising the legs to the press 3-4 * 15-20 repetitions | To perform the exercise, you must correctly position yourself on the horizontal bar. Hands should tightly wrap the crossbar "in the lock". This means that the thumbs should wrap around the horizontal bar from below, not from above. In this case, the hands should be shoulder-width apart. This will avoid rocking. The bent legs are lifted until the knees touch the chest. The lowering of the lower limbs to the starting position should be carried out smoothly. |
| Hanging leg raises with a delay at the top point | The exercise is completely similar to the one discussed above, but it is performed in the style of a static load. It is necessary to raise your legs up to touch the chest and fix them in this position for the maximum possible time. |
| Horizontal corner | The exercise is performed from a supine position. Hands at the seams, slightly away from the body and turned with palms down. The shoulders and head are flat on the floor. From the starting position, straight legs are lifted up to the vertical. It is important to ensure that the PMR and abdominal muscles are continuously loaded. Excessive abduction of the legs into the abdominal plane is not allowed. |
The iliopsoas muscle, which can be relaxed by people of all fitness levels, is prone to spasms. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to muscle fiber misalignment or excessive stress on the MRP.
To eliminate spasms, a set of exercises is used, aimed at gradual relaxation and tension of the PPM:
- Relaxation stage... It is performed within 1-2 minutes. It is necessary to lie on a bed or sofa in such a way that the body is securely located on the supporting surface. Legs should hang over the edge. In this case, the position of the lumbar should be fixed in the anatomically correct position. To do this, place a soft roller under it. From the described position, you should strain your muscles and raise your straight legs to parallel to the floor. Then start bending them without stopping. At the end point, the thighs should be perpendicular to the floor, and the lower legs should be suspended (the feet do not touch the surface of the bed or sofa).
- Stage of tension. It is performed within 5-10 seconds. From the final position from the relaxation stage, it is necessary to straighten the legs brought together to a line parallel to the floor. Fix this position for the specified time and return to the stage of relaxation.
Fixing the result
The achieved results can be consolidated by increasing physical activity. Walking in the fresh air or short hikes in hilly terrain will force the muscle to work as usual. Walking on uneven roads is anatomically more acceptable to humans. The evolutionary process has adapted the musculoskeletal system to precisely this kind of load.
When to expect the effect
The effect of training appears depending on the stage of the start of training. When a spasm occurs, relaxing gymnastics can give results after a few weeks of training. However, it can take several months to several years to return to the natural curvature of the lower back and correct posture.
The iliopsoas muscle affects the health and functional readiness of not only the human musculoskeletal system, but also adjacent systems, as well as the internal organs of the abdominal cavity.
Muscle degradation symptoms appear gradually. Therefore, to prevent complications, you should immediately start doing exercises to strengthen the iliopsoas muscle.
Video of exercises for the iliopsoas muscle
Exercises for the iliopsoas muscle: