What Can Inhibit the Psoas Muscle (and Why It Matters for Your Hips, Back, and Nervous System)

The psoas muscle is one of the most important — and misunderstood — muscles in the body. Often called the “core muscle of the soul,” the psoas connects your lower spine, pelvis, and hips, playing a major role in hip flexion, posture, breathing, and nervous system regulation.

When the psoas becomes inhibited, tight, or unresponsive, it can contribute to pain and dysfunction far beyond the hips.

🚫 What Inhibits the Psoas muscles?

🪑 Prolonged SittingLong hours of sitting (desk work, driving, scrolling) keep the psoas in a shortened position, leading to reduced mobility and weak firing patterns.

🧠 Chronic Stress & Nervous System OverloadThe psoas is highly responsive to stress. Ongoing fight-or-flight activation can cause the muscle to stay guarded and tense.

🌿 Intestinal & Visceral InflammationDigestive issues, bloating, constipation, or abdominal inflammation can create tension in the surrounding fascia, directly affecting the psoas.

🦴 Low Back, Pelvic, or Hip DysfunctionLumbar spine restrictions, pelvic imbalances, or hip joint issues can inhibit proper psoas activation.

🌀 Fascial RestrictionsScar tissue from abdominal or pelvic surgery, poor hydration, or chronic inflammation can limit fascial glide around the psoas.

💨 Breathing DysfunctionThe psoas works closely with the diaphragm. Shallow breathing or diaphragm restriction can disrupt normal psoas function.

😖 Common Signs of Psoas Inhibition

• Hip or groin tightness

• Low back pain

• Pelvic or abdominal discomfort

• Poor posture

• Feeling “stuck” or unstable through the core

• Difficulty lifting the leg or walking comfortably

💆‍♀️ How Massage Therapy & Microcurrent Therapy May Help

👐Massage therapy can gently release fascial restrictions, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system.

⚡Microcurrent therapy supports the body’s natural bioelectric communication, helping reduce inflammation and improve neuromuscular signaling.

1. Myofascial release restores glide and length

2. Neuromuscular Therapy and Trigger Point releases mechanical tension and trigger points

3. Visceral techniques reduce organ-related tension

4. Nervous system down-regulation improves motor output

5. Microcurrent therapy supports cellular signaling, inflammation reduction, and neuromuscular re-education

6. Breath-aware bodywork re-links diaphragm–psoas function

✨ Together, these therapies may help the psoas feel safer, more responsive, and more balanced — supporting both movement and relaxation.

🌟 The Big Picture

The psoas muscle doesn’t exist in isolation. It responds to stress, digestion, posture, breathing, and emotional load. Supporting it means supporting the whole body.

If hip tightness or low back discomfort feels persistent, addressing the psoas through a whole-body approach may make all the difference.