June 2015
Origin: Bodies and transverse processes of lumbar vertebrae
Insertion: Lesser trochanter
Nerve: Lumbar plexus L1 - L4
Action: With origin fixed: Flex the hip and laterally rotate the hip; With insertion fixed: Flex the trunk toward the thigh, tilt pelvis anteriorly; Unilaterally: Assist to laterally flex the lumbar spine
* Tight psoas major is a common cause of low back pain
When Do You Use Your Psoas Major?
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Walking up an incline
- Reaching up against gravity
- Getting up from a reclined position/doing a small sit-up
