Iliopsoas complaints

What are iliopsoas complaints?

The iliopsoas is a deep muscle that connects the lower back and pelvis to the upper leg. This muscle is essential for hip flexion, stability, and smooth movements such as walking, climbing stairs, and running. With iliopsoas complaints, the muscle becomes overloaded or overly tense, which can cause pain in the groin, hip, or lower back.

The iliopsoas absorbs high forces during repetitive movements and prolonged sitting. When recovery is insufficient, pain and stiffness can develop, sometimes accompanied by a dull or sharp sensation deep in the hip region. In rare cases, there is a clear muscle strain.

Recognizable symptoms

• Deep pain in the groin or at the front of the hip
• Hip stiffness when getting up or after prolonged sitting
• Groin pain while walking or climbing stairs
• Hip pain during running, especially when accelerating
• Discomfort when lifting the leg or putting on shoes
• Dull pain radiating toward the lower back or upper leg
• Sharp pain during long strides or explosive movements

Do you recognize these symptoms? Have your complaints assessed in time. Early intervention speeds up recovery.

Causes and risk factors

Iliopsoas complaints often result from repetitive strain. Prolonged sitting with flexed hips, rapid increases in training load, and frequent running increase stress on the muscle. Limited hip mobility, reduced core stability, and one-sided movement patterns also play a role.

Sports that involve frequent sprinting, kicking, or hill training place extra demand on the iliopsoas. Changes in training intensity, work posture, or movement patterns can trigger complaints. Sometimes there is irritation at the tendon attachment or inflammation of a bursa in the hip region. A strain often occurs during an unexpected or explosive hip movement.

Muscle or tendon attachment

With muscle-related iliopsoas complaints, you typically feel a deep, aching pain that increases when actively lifting the leg. Complaints at the tendon attachment are felt deeper in the groin and are more sensitive to prolonged hip flexion. This distinction requires a different treatment approach and exercise progression.

What you can do right now

• Manage your load and avoid sharp pain
• Regularly alternate sitting with standing and movement
• Start each morning with gentle hip mobility exercises
• Avoid deep hip flexion when symptoms are clear
• Temporarily reduce sports intensity
• If symptoms worsen or keep returning, schedule an intake

These steps help improve circulation and give the iliopsoas room to recover.

Assessment and treatment plan at De Fysio Man

We listen to your story and goals. We assess hip mobility, muscle strength, core stability, and movement patterns. We determine whether the issue involves muscle overload, tendon irritation, or chain-related problems and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

You receive clear home exercise programs and measurable milestones.

• Targeted exercises for the iliopsoas and hip muscles
• Mobilization of the hip, lower back, and movement chain
• Stability training for the core and pelvis
• Posture and movement advice for work and sports
• Manual techniques when appropriate

Rehabilitation by phase

Phase: reducing pain and stiffness

We begin with pain-free exercises and clear limits for daily activities. Gentle activation and short movement breaks throughout the day help reduce tension.

Phase: building strength and control

We gradually increase load with controlled exercises for hip flexion, stability, and core control. Movements become more functional and fluid.

Phase: returning to walking and jogging

Walking and light running are built up systematically. Groin or hip pain stays within safe limits. If symptoms increase the next morning, we adjust the program.

Phase: sport and explosive movements

We add acceleration, directional changes, and sport-specific movements. You learn how to manage load and recovery. The goal is to return to sport safely and confidently without recurring iliopsoas complaints.

Strain and long-term complaints

With an iliopsoas strain, muscle fibers are overstretched or overloaded. With a carefully structured program, recovery usually takes several weeks to a few months. For persistent or recurring complaints, targeted guidance is important to break the cycle of overload.

Prevention and avoiding recurrence

Vary your training load. Build intensity gradually. Limit prolonged sitting. Maintain a short daily routine for hip mobility and activation. Listen to early warning signs and adjust in time.

Frequently asked questions about iliopsoas complaints

Where do you feel iliopsoas pain?

Usually deep in the groin or at the front of the hip. Sometimes the pain radiates to the lower back or upper leg.

What should you do about hip stiffness when getting up?

Morning stiffness is common with iliopsoas complaints. Start with gentle hip movements. If stiffness worsens, reduce the load from the previous day.

Can I continue walking or running?

Yes, as long as the pain remains mild and recovers quickly. Pain during walking requires load management. Running is built up in a controlled manner.

Your next step

Do not keep pushing through pain in your groin or hip. With a clear diagnosis and a smart plan, you can regain confidence in movement and sport.

Schedule an appointment at De Fysio Man and work with us toward a strong and smoothly functioning iliopsoas.