We begin with self-massage for the iliopsoas for several reasons. First and foremost, we want to calm the muscle down, reducing whatever spasm might exist. When overworked, muscles can become ischemic (reduced blood flow) and can also develop myofascial trigger points resulting in referred pain. 

Referred pain can explain numerous mysterious symptoms and direct manual treatment is an effective strategy to begin to lift them. Very few therapists know how to properly treat the iliopsoas. In this phase, you learn the exact step-by-step method I use to treat patients.

Proper diaphragmatic breathing is one to the most overlooked tools we have to improve blood flow to the iliopsoas muscle, a critical step in relieving the pain caused by dysfunction in this muscle.

Somatic Movement is a slow and gentle type of mobilization that encourages focus on the internal sensation of the movement. When muscles become locked or when they go into spasm we can lose our ability to relax these muscles. Somatic Movement aims to reawaken this muscular control.

In this phase we restore length and flexibility to the iliopsoas and its synergists using the easy to do but powerfully effective method of Active Isolated Stretching. This method takes the place of static stretching in which we hold stretches for an extended period of time. By substituting a repeated 2-second stretch for a static hold, Active Isolated Stretching does not trigger the protective stretch reflex, a phenomenon in which a muscle braces against the stretch.

This method of stretching is not only easy to do but also more enjoyable because it replaces the struggle often associated with stretching. Instead of holding a stretch for twenty seconds or thirty seconds or longer, we perform a set number of repetitions which allows for a gradual lengthening of muscle tissue without causing strain.

We conclude with toning and strengthening of the core muscles and also the antagonists of the iliopsoas which often become weak as a consequence of Iliopsoas Syndrome. By gently activating core and antagonist muscles, we take advantage of a phenomenon called reciprocal inhibition.

For example, when the antagonist of the iliopsoas, the gluteus maximus, has proper tone and strength, the iliopsoas cannot easily clamp down and become tight again. Proper toning and strengthening is essential in order to restore reciprocal muscular balance and achieve lasting pain relief.