Hip Flexor Strain
This video describes the anatomy relevant to a hip flexor strain.
The hip flexor is comprised of 2 muscles (different attachments) that form one common tendon and insert onto the femur (thigh bone). The psoas attaches onto the bones of the lumbar spine (lower back) and the iliacus attaches onto the inside surface of the pelvis. They then form one common tendon, attaching onto the upper, inner portion of the femur.
Injury to the iliopsoas (hip flexor) muscle is can result in pain with resisted hip flexion (bringing the knee to the chest), extension and activities like running and jumping. The pain may be described as sharp, snapping or dull/aching, usually in the crease of the hip. Injury of the hip flexor may be traumatic (too much resistance when performing a hip flexion activity) or chronic (overtraining).
The pain is usually localized to the front of the hip and may also present as low back pain (due to its attachment along the lumbar spine).
Treatment for a hip flexor strain usually includes activity modification (cessation of pain provoking tasks), in addition to strength and mobility training.
If you are an athlete in Miami, FL experiencing hip pain with sports activities, reach out to contact us today to schedule an appointment. A physical therapy examination can help determine and treat the root cause of pain.