The iliacus is one of the most important hip flexor muscles in your body.
They are serviced by thefemoral nerve, which provides movement and sensation to the lower limbs.
The iliacus muscle is situated on the largest of the three bones of the pelvis: the wing-shapedilium.
The muscle fits neatly into the curved surface of the ilium, called the iliac fossa.
The iliopsoas also interact with thequadratus lumborum (QL) muscle, the deepest muscle of the lower back.
These conditions, referred to collectively asIliopsoas syndrome, are typically the result of overuse or injury.
These include iliopsoas tendinopathy, which affectstendonsand iliopsoas bursitis, which affects cushioning sacs known asbursae.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to pain that radiates through parts of the leg and hips.
Runners, skiers, swimmers, and people with tight hips are commonly affected.
People with different forms of arthritis can also be affected.
Early treatment can prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Stretching can help relieve tightness.
The treatment of iliopsoas tendinopathy includes retraining muscle imbalances with strengthening and stretching exercises.
If these fail to provide relief, corticosteroid injections may be used.
Another treatment calledsaline hydrodissectioncan relieve stress around the tendon by injecting fluids that both cushion and release trapped tissues.
Rehabilitation
Core muscle exercises are central to the rehabilitation of iliacus muscle injuries.
These include variations on the bridge pose that encourage hip flexion.
Your iliacus muscles are integral in these pursuits.
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