Q & A: What Hands-On Techniques Do You Teach For The Psoas?

Published by Liz Koch on October 6, 2009 in Question of the Month

A: I have many approaches for working WITH the Psoas rather than working ON the Psoas.  Once one understands the bio-intelligence of the Psoas as a messenger of the central nervous system, protocol for working with the Psoas changes.  I recommend healing the dysfunctions that call upon the Psoas to compensate in the first place; hydrating the dry Psoas tissue with movement, sound, and breath; enhancing proprioceptive development through movement and awareness; completing developmental primal reflexes, which may still be exhibited; correcting ergonomic imbalances; and supporting normal healthy function through core integrity.

One very important concept I present is the difference between getting “release” and resolution. Release is not the same as resolution.  Trigger point approaches, for example, are release techniques; however, the Psoas is not the problem 99% of the time and even when it is, trigger point manipulation, in my way of thinking, is not a solution. Once again, getting a ‘release” through manipulation and palpation is not the same as resolving the message that the Psoas is communicating; rather, it may shut  the messenger up but only for a relatively short time!  The message must return as a biological imperative.  I have heard the Psoas called the muscle of the soul…your deepest proprioceptive connection to earth and living with integrity – I teach therapist how to learn the language and listen to its message!

leslie zimmerman
Posted on November 6th, 2009 | Permalink

I am very interested in this new perspective (for me) of “resolve” rather than “release”. I have really only learned release methods. I would be interested in reading more about this view and work. Thank you for giving a fresh insight.

Liz Koch
Posted on November 7th, 2009 | Permalink

I recommend beginning this journey of understanding the difference between release and resolve by reading the articles I have authored on Trauma Protocal and the Psoas. Most of these articles can be found under Articles on my website: Psoas Health & Trauma Recovery (published in Massage & Bodywork Magazine US) and Iliopsoas – The Flee/Fight Muscle For Survival (published in Postive Health UK). A 2-part article in March-April 2005 Issue 114 and May-June 2005 Issue 115 in Massage Magazine co-authored with International Trauma Expert David Berceli will be available in word format under purchase items in the very near future. If one understands the psoas as a messenger of the central nervous system then trigger pointing or getting a “reaction” from the tissue can no longer serve as therapy – rather support, hydration, and nourishment become key essentials for resolution.

hedda schmidt
Posted on April 13th, 2010 | Permalink

When will LIz Koch be holding a workshop in San Diego,Ca?I do hope that it is in the very near future. Thank you.

Liz Koch
Posted on April 22nd, 2010 | Permalink

I will be in Santa Monica in 2011 for sure….and I am in San Jose CA November 6 & 7, 2010 – just a quick 1 hour air flight away!

Steve Amery
Posted on May 3rd, 2010 | Permalink

I have recently suffered back and sciatica problems and my regular Bowen therapist recommended sections of your book, with techniques to ‘release’ the psoas muscle. The advice has proved very successful and effective.
The problems and acute pain have been with me. on and off, for four months, but I now feel so much better. I want to resume running half marathons -
I am 55 and took up running seriously 5-6 years ago – I love it, but do not wish to incur this kind of health problem ever again!
Am I being reallistic to hope to run again? Are there specific books/articles on this subject, for idiots like me, who are not yet ready to accept that old age has to mean sitting on a promenade, gazing out to sea???
Thankyou for your inspirational work,
Kind regards, Steve Amery.

Liz Koch
Posted on May 12th, 2010 | Permalink

The more supple the spine, the more supple and juicy the Psoas, the more open the hip sockets, the more functional the feet, the better rebound (ground force reaction), the smoother the movement…the sweeter the run. Balance running with active recovery movements such as constructive rest before and after, fluid movement for hydration and keeping tissue proprioceptively responsive. Aging is a drying out process so allowing the tissue to be responsive in multiple directions not from stretching but by being responsive is key!



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