Psoas Tendinopathy
Psoas tendinopathy refers to a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the psoas tendon, which connects the psoas muscle to the hip joint. The psoas muscle is a large muscle that originates from the lower spine and travels down to the pelvis, where it joins with the iliacus muscle to form the iliopsoas muscle. The psoas muscle is responsible for hip flexion and stabilization of the lower back and pelvis. The psoas tendon can become damaged due to overuse, injury, or degeneration, leading to pain and reduced function. Psoas tendinopathy is a relatively uncommon condition, but it can be a source of chronic pain and disability in some individuals.
Causes of Psoas Tendinopathy
The causes of psoas tendinopathy are not well understood, but there are several factors that are thought to contribute to its development. Some of the possible causes of psoas tendinopathy include:
Overuse: Repetitive stress on the psoas tendon from activities such as running, jumping, or other high-impact exercises can cause microtrauma and inflammation.
Trauma: A sudden injury to the hip or pelvis, such as a fall or a direct blow, can damage the psoas tendon.
Degeneration: As we age, the tendons in our body can become weaker and more prone to injury.
Poor biomechanics: Abnormal alignment or mechanics of the hip joint can put extra stress on the psoas tendon, leading to injury over time.
Other medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, can increase the risk of developing psoas tendinopathy.
Signs and Symptoms of Psoas Tendinopathy
The signs and symptoms of psoas tendinopathy may vary, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition. Some of the common signs and symptoms of psoas tendinopathy include:
- Pain in the front of the hip or groin area
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the hip joint
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Pain that radiates to the lower back, buttock, or thigh
- Tenderness over the psoas tendon
- Weakness in the hip muscles
- Clicking or popping in the hip joint
- Difficulty with activities that require hip flexion, such as climbing stairs or getting up from a seated position.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan
Treatment for Psoas Tendinopathy
Physiotherapy treatment for psoas tendinopathy may include the following:
Rest: Resting the affected hip and avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Ice and Heat Therapy: Ice therapy can help reduce pain and inflammation, while heat therapy can help increase blood flow and promote healing.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength. A physiotherapist can develop an individualized exercise program based on your specific needs.
Manual Therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
Electrical Stimulation: Electrical stimulation can help reduce pain and improve muscle strength.
Activity Modification: Modifying activities that may aggravate the symptoms can help reduce pain and promote healing.
It is important to note that the treatment approach for psoas tendinopathy may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. A physiotherapist can develop an individualized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a therapist about psoas tendinopathy please call us at 03 9836 1126.
Reference:
Kohia, M., Brault, J. R., Magee, D., & Dolbeer, J. (2018). Conservative rehabilitation of a patient with psoas tendinopathy: a case report. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy