I've had so many responses requesting
information on this issue I thought I should post another message. To
begin, if you are experiencing pain, see a doctor. If this information
fits with what you are experiencing, ask your doctor if it could be coming from
a psoas muscle problem. The psoas muscle originates at the vertebral
levels from T-12 to L-5 and attaches to the lesser trochanter of the femur (deep
in the hip/groin area). Its job is to flex the hip and rotate the hip
inward. Consequently, it has a HUGE role to play in stabilizing and
balancing a rider in the saddle -- constant rising trot (hip flexion) and
maintaining thigh contact with the saddle (medial rotation) can create great
repetitive strain and injury on this muscle group. Here's a link to
a good picture: http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/GrossAnatomy/dissector/mml/psmj.htm
Symptoms of psoas spasm include hip or
groin pain, anterior thigh or knee pain, pelvic pain, mid-thoracic and low back
pain. Also, this is what one woman wrote; "I have had six
surgeries, 5 trips to the E.R.,7 nerve blocks, 60 doctor visits, and 47
prescriptions and have been diagnosed with the following: endometriosis,
interstitial cystitis, adhesions, ovarian cysts,& hernia before a pelvic
pain specialist told me that I had psoas syndrome. It is listed as the most
complexing gynecological problem today which causes the most pelvic pain but is
never diagnosed." Again, if you think
you may have this, please see a doctor, it cannot be diagnosed or treated over
the internet. This
problem can be helped with stretching. Here is a link to a simple
stretching exercise that can be done before you get in the saddle and every time
during the day you think of it: http://www.whiplash101.com/psoas1.htm What I like about this picture is that the
front knee is at 90 degrees avoiding excessive strain and the figure has an
upright posture -- you should feel as though you are stretching forward AND UP
through the top of your head. If the knee behind gets sore, put a cushion
or pillow underneath the knee. You should feel a stretch in the groin or
anterior thigh -- keep the hips squarely facing forward and not rotated.
THis stretch can be further emphasized: raise the arm (on the
same side as the leg extended behind you) directly overhead toward the
ceiling and turn the palm inward toward your head, lift the arm upward at the
same time you are performing the above stretch and feel an enhanced stretch in
the groin. If your problem is not alleviated with this stretch, you may
wish to see a therapist: my Feldenkrais Practittioner was the only person
who helped me, but Physiotherapists and massage therapists etc. are often
familiar with the syndrome and can lead you in the right direction. There
is a myofascial release that can be performed but is too complex to describe and
requires some expertise to perform -- again, see one of the professionals and
ask if they know how to do it. Hope this info is helpful.
Wendy
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