What is Iliopsoas Tendinitis?
Iliopsoas tendinitis is an inflammation of the iliopsoas tendon, which is located in the hip region. This condition is often caused by overuse, especially in athletes involved in sports requiring frequent hip flexion, or as a result of acute trauma. Symptoms typically include pain in the front of the hip, which may extend to the groin area, increased discomfort during activities such as running or climbing stairs, and stiffness after periods of inactivity.
Physical Therapy for Iliopsoas Tendinitis
Physical therapy is crucial for managing iliopsoas tendinitis, focusing on reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and restoring function to the hip. Initial treatment may include modalities such as ice therapy to manage inflammation and pain relief techniques including soft tissue massage or ultrasound. Rest and activity modification are often recommended to decrease stress on the inflamed tendon.
As the acute symptoms improve, the rehabilitation program progresses to include stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the hip flexors and strengthening exercises to build the muscles around the hip and core, thereby supporting the hip joint and reducing the load on the iliopsoas tendon. Strengthening the gluteal muscles is particularly important for balancing the muscular forces around the hip. Physical therapists also provide guidance on proper biomechanics during physical activities to prevent recurrence of the condition. Through a tailored and progressive approach, physical therapy can effectively help individuals recover from iliopsoas tendinitis, enabling them to return to their daily activities and sports with improved strength and reduced pain.