What is the iliopsoas?
The iliopsoas is the combination of two muscles: the iliacus and the psoas. These muscles join together to form one single tendon commonly referred to as the iliopsoas or "hip flexors".
Can the hip flexors cause hip snapping? Why is my hip snapping?
Yes! When the muscle is excessively tight, its tendon may rub or even produce an audible snapping sound when passing over the underlying bony landmarks (2-6). When painless, the condition is termed “asymptomatic internal snapping hip”. When accompanied by pain and/or dysfunction, the condition is known by a variety of terms, including; painful internal snapping hip, internal coxa saltans, iliopsoas tendinitis, iliopsoas tendinosis, iliopsoas tendinopathy, iliopsoas bursitis, or ilopsoas syndrome.
Is it bursitis or tendonitis?
The diagnoses tendinitis and bursitis are essentially synonymous, as inflammation in one inevitably generates inflammation in the neighboring counterpart– with a nearly identical presentation, evaluation, and treatment (7).
How does the iliopsoas get irritated?
The iliopsoas tendon can be irritaed by either acute injury or repetitive micro trauma. Acute injuries involving the hip and pelvis typically result from either direct trauma (11,15). Like other tendinopathies, chronic injuries occur when repetitive micro trauma exceeds the body’s ability to repair itself (12).
How does iliopasos tendonitis typically occur?
Psoas tendinopathy often arises from repeated flexion (bending) of an externally rotated hip (think toes pointed out) (9,11).
What activities or sports contribute to iliosoas tendonitis?
The condition is commonly termed “dancer’s hip” or “jumper’s hip”, as movements associated with these activities predispose participants to injury (9,11). Psoas tendinopathy is particularly common in ballet dancers – with more than 90% reporting clicking or snapping (13). The condition is also seen in athletes who participate in resistance training, rowing, track and field, running (especially uphill), soccer, and gymnastics, and hurdling (11,14). Teens may be at greater risk during growth spurts due to relative inflexibility of the hip flexors (11).
What are the symptoms of hip flexor tendonitis or iliopsoas tendonitis?
Psoas tendinopathy patients complain of deep groin pain that sometimes radiates to the anterior hip or thigh (14,20). Long-standing snapping can lead to weakness or an altered walking and running pattern (14,20). Problems with the psoas is often associated with a variety of complaints, including difficulty standing fully erect, lower back pain, and possible discomfort into the buttock or thigh (21).
What are the best treatment options for psoas tendonitis?
The evidence supports the use of exercise, friction massage, acupuncture, laser therapy, ice, manipulation, and mobilization (31).
Modifying activity and relative rest and exercise are also shown to be beneficial for psoas tendonitis (14-20).
Soft tissue manipulation and/or myofascial release may be appropriate to release areas of tightness and/or adhesion within the iliopsoas muscle. Mobilization and/or manipulation may be necessary to restore normal lumbopelvic joint mobility. Stretching and strengthening exercises should be directed at the hip flexors and rotators (14).
Symptomatic patients should be cautioned to avoid activities that involve repetitive hip bending and to take frequent breaks from seated positions that predispose them to hip flexor shortening or tightening. Patients with fallen arches and those who hyperpronate may benefit from an arch supports or orthotics. Patients with accompanying hip abductor weakness and/or spinal instability will benefit from strengthening of the respective muscles.
What other treatment options are available?
Medical management includes image-guided corticosteroid injections (14). Rarely utilized, surgical management includes various tendon- lengthening procedures (35-38).
At Creekside Chiropractic & Performance Center, we are highly trained to treat iliopsoas tendonitis. We are the only inter-disciplinary clinic in Sheboygan county that provides chiropractic, myofascial release, ART (Active Release Technique), massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, rehabilitative exercise, nutritional counseling, personal training, and golf performance training under one roof. Utilizing these different services, we can help patients and clients reach the best outcomes and the best versions of themselves. Voted Best Chiropractor in Sheboygan by the Sheboygan Press.
Evidence Based-Patient Centered-Outcome Focused
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