Iliopsoas syndrome
The iliopsoas is a complex of three different muscles: the iliacus, the psoas major and the psoas minor. Generally speaking, the psoas arises from the lower spine and the iliac fossa (part of the pelvic girdle), and attaches to the anteromedial aspect of the femur (lesser trochanter). The primary function of this muscle group is hip flexion. Secondary functions include hip rotation and stabilization of the pelvis and spine. Psoas syndrome is a generic term used to refer to a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the iliopsoas and surrounding tissues, including conditions often described as iliopsoas bursitis, hip snapping, impingement and tendinopathy. This condition is more common in patients who take part in activities that place significant stress on the anterior pelvis and hip region through repetitive hip flexion and extension movements (e.g. kicking, sprinting, dancing, etc.). Although this syndrome is more common in the sporting population, it can also develop in the general population. Patients with this condition generally report pain in the anterior and medial part of the hip, often associated with functional activities requiring flexion of the hip joint (walking, running, kicking, etc.).
Patients with iliopsoas syndrome generally respond well to non-surgical treatment, with some rare cases requiring surgical intervention (e.g. arthroscopic tendon lengthening, psoas tendon release, etc.). Rehabilitation is the main non-surgical intervention prescribed, with optimal results reported in the literature. At Foxphysio, after a visit from one of our specialist doctors, who will carry out an immediate assessment of the injury through a thorough clinical examination and instrumental examination (e.g. ultrasound), a recovery plan tailored to your specific needs will be prescribed. Your rehabilitation journey will take place in four different environments depending on your condition: the swimming pool, the gym, the movement analysis and re-education room and our grounds. In the early stages, the main objectives are to restore homeostasis by reducing pain and swelling, regaining mobility and gradually restoring function to the lower limbs. Midway through the rehabilitation process, regaining strength in the trunk and lower limbs becomes the priority, as does optimizing the overall quality of movement to learn how to distribute the load efficiently between the various joints.