The Psoas Solution

The first book to comprehensively discuss the function of the psoas muscles in posture, movement, and exercise, The Psoas Solution identifies the functional anatomy, biomechanics, and motor control of the psoas muscles and their role in core and hip stabilization. Integrating research with clinical experience, author Evan Osar identifies the psoas muscles' role and their relationship with the hip, pelvis, and low back. The Psoas Solution demonstrates how to incorporate the psoas muscles into functional movement patterns such as squatting, lunging, and bending. The book includes corrective and functional exercise progressions for improving the psoas muscles. Health and fitness professionals will find this a valuable resource full of applicable strategies and exercises to incorporate into current rehabilitation or training programs. Abundantly illustrated with full-color images throughout, this book also provides most complete review on the relevant research on the psoas muscles available. For years the psoas muscles have been mired in controversy. They have been linked to common postural and movement dysfunction, including anterior pelvic tilt, hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine, and low back pain. Strategies to improve posture and reduce pain have primarily involved stretching the psoas muscles and strengthening their antagonist, the glutes. However, recent clinical research has revealed that the psoas muscles are much more than simple hip flexors-they play an integral role in both posture and movement. This professional treatment manual for health care practitioners and students gives an overview of the ways that nonoptimal use of the psoas muscles can affect breathing, posture, and movement. It outlines specific treatment strategies that enable patients to develop awareness and utilization of the psoas muscles to achieve three-dimensional breathing and improve balance and body mechanics.