S is for Psoas

S is for Psoas Psoas [SOH-az]:either of two muscles, one on each side of the loin, extending internally from the sides of the spinal column to the upper end of the femur, which assist in flexing and rotating the thigh and flexing the trunk on the pelvis. . My Psoas was my enemy, until I figured out how to stretch it. It can cause low back pain, ruin your posture, and make you feel like you can’t stand up straight. Some of you have been to my office and seen me on the floor in some contorted position; what I was doing was a Psoas stretch. To stretch your Psoas, try a low lunge with your knee on the ground. You may want to get a towel or a cushion for under your knee. Aim the weight of your hips down and forward while keeping your upper body upright. Make sure you keep you knee directly over your ankle. Of course, the yoga diva (above) makes it look easy. Keeping your hands on your knees will help you keep your balance. As always, take time when you stretch. Hold this pose for a minute or two. When you stand up, take notice of you posture and how well your upper body balances over your hips, and your hips over your legs. Doing this stretch often will relieve that sometimes indescribable back tension, and make lower body postural imbalances a thing of the past. Want to use this article in your newsletter, blog or web site? You have my permission so long as you include the following complete blurb with it (including links). Jaime Savarese is a Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Long Island Sports Massage and is widely considered the foremost expert in Massage Therapy in Suffolk County, New York. If you’d like more tips such as these feel free to visit Jaime at http://www.longislandsportsmassage.com