13 Psoas Major
This module teaches the release of the Psoas Major, a deep hip flexor that connects the lumbar spine to the femur. When this muscle enters spasm, it can contribute to low back pain, nerve compression, and pelvic imbalance.
Step 1
Understanding the Problem
The psoas major is one of the most important muscles in the body.
It is a deep, central muscle that connects:• lumbar spine
• pelvis
• femurIt lies within the abdominal cavity and directly influences:
• spinal alignment
• hip movement
• internal pressure• organ positioning
When functioning properly:
• the spine remains stable yet mobile
• posture is upright and relaxed
• movement through the hips is smooth
When the psoas enters spasm:
👉 it shortens and pulls the spine forward
👉 compresses the lumbar region
👉 disrupts movement through the entire system
This is not a superficial issue.
It is a deep central restriction that affects both structure and function.
Step 2
The Clinical Problem
A client arrives complaining of persistent low back pain, stiffness when standing upright, or discomfort deep within the abdomen or hip.
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They may also report pain radiating into the front of the thigh or weakness when lifting the leg.
Despite treatment of the lumbar muscles and surrounding tissues, the symptoms often return.
The underlying cause lies in the psoas major, one of the deepest and most influential muscles in the human body.
The psoas major originates from the lumbar vertebrae and travels downward through the abdomen to attach to the femur. Because of this direct attachment to the spine, tension in this muscle can exert a constant pulling force on the lumbar vertebrae.
When the psoas major enters spasm, it can pull the lumbar spine forward and increase compression on the spinal nerves exiting the lower back. This is why chronic psoas contraction is frequently associated with persistent lumbar pain and nerve irritation.
The psoas region also contains important neural pathways.
Two nerves in particular may be affected:
• the femoral nerve, which supplies the anterior thigh
• the genitofemoral nerve, which contributes to communication between the central nervous system and the reproductive organs
When the psoas remains in spasm, pressure on these nerves may disrupt normal signaling patterns.
Compression of the femoral nerve may contribute to:
• pain in the front of the thigh
• weakness in hip flexion
• altered sensation in the leg
Compression of the genitofemoral nerve may influence the neural communication between the central nervous system and the gonads.
When this signaling pathway through the genitofemoral nerve is disrupted, which passes through the belly of the psoas major - which is the most common cause of reproductive dysfunction, including irregular menstrual cycles, low hormone levels, infertility or erectile dysfunction, sterility and low testosterone levels.
For this reason the psoas major is not only a mechanical stabilizer of the spine, but also a muscle whose dysfunction can influence lumbar pain, nerve signaling, and reproductive physiology.
By restoring normal relaxation to the psoas major, pressure on the lumbar vertebrae and nearby nerves can be relieved, allowing the spine, hips, and neural pathways of the pelvis to function more normally.
This is why infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, E.D, low back pain and quadriceps pain or numbness is always associated with a tight psoas major muscle.
Step 3
Why This Happens
The psoas major is highly responsive to:
• stress
• posture
• prolonged sitting
• protective reflexes
It is deeply connected to the body’s survival response.
When activated:
• it prepares the body for movement
• shortens to stabilize and protect
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With repeated activation:
👉 it loses its ability to release
👉 enters a sustained state of contraction
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Structural and Neurological Influence
Because of its location, the psoas sits adjacent to:
• lumbar nerve structures
• major vascular pathways
• abdominal organs
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When in spasm:
• it can compress surrounding structures
• disrupt communication between body and nervous system
• alter function in the lower body
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Releasology Perspective
This represents a disruption in deep central conduction.
Instead of allowing force to move through the system:
• the center becomes fixed
• movement is restricted
• the system remains partially activated
Step 4
Anatomy
The psoas major can be located through surface anatomy.
Finding the Muscle
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Locate the ilium (hip bone)
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Move to the inner surface of the iliac crest
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Just inside this boundary, the psoas major can be palpated
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👉 It will feel like a distinct, vertical band of muscle
👉 running downward toward the lumbar spine
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Important Relationships
• the ovary lies medial to the psoas in women
• vascular and neural structures also lie nearby
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Critical Principle
👉 Stay directly on the muscle
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Do NOT move:
• too far inward (medial)
• too far outward (lateral)
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The muscle itself is clearly defined when palpated correctly.
Step 5
Palpation and Tissue Assessment
Client Position
• client supine
• knees slightly bent if needed
• abdomen relaxed
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Key Instruction for Client
👉 Ask the client to let their lower back arch relax toward the table
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If they tense:
• the psoas becomes guarded
• access is reduced
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Contact
• enter slowly just inside the iliac crest
• move inward with control
• locate the vertical muscle band
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Tissue Quality
Restricted psoas feels:
• dense
• rope-like
• resistant to pressure
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Healthy tissue feels:
• softer
• responsive
• able to yield
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Safety Awareness
Avoid pressing into:
• soft spaces medial to the muscle
• areas lateral to the muscle
Incorrect placement can:
• compress vascular structures
• irritate nerves
Stay precisely on the muscle.
Step 6
Neurological Consequences
When the psoas remains in spasm:
• the nervous system remains partially activated
• communication through the lumbar region is affected
• movement becomes inefficient
Functional Effects
• spasm of the psoas major is the primary cause of lumbar pain
• It causes fixed loridosis or hyper-loridosis - anterior curve of the lumbar spine
• altered sensation in the legs
• weakness in quadriceps
Systemic Influence
Because of its proximity to key structures, spasm of the psoas major causes:
• reproductive function
• low back pain
• Femoral nerve compression
• Quadraceps spasm, weakness, tingling and pain
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Releasology Perspective
This is a disruption in central structural and neurological conduction.
The psoas should allow:
• movement through the center
• coordination between upper and lower body
When restricted:
👉 the system becomes locked
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Step 7
Technique Demonstration
Watch the demonstration carefully.
First Viewing — Flow
• how the practitioner locates the muscle
• how they enter the tissue
• pacing and control
Second Viewing — Mechanics
• direction of pressure (inward, precise)
• how depth is achieved without force
• body positioning
Observe the Release
• softening of the muscle
• reduced resistance
• visible relaxation in the client
What to Look For
• exact location of the psoas
• how the practitioner avoids surrounding structures
• when the tissue yields
Step 8
Worksheet Exercise
Download the PDF skeleton image.
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Use a red pen tool.
Draw
• lumbar spine
• pelvis (ilium)
• psoas major path to femur
Draw location of genitofemoral nerve passing through the psoas major
Draw location of ovaries and testes relative to the psoas major
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Save and upload.
Step 9
Practice Assignment
Clinical Skill Development
Setup
• client supine
• abdomen relaxed
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Execution
• locate psoas just inside iliac crest
• apply slow, controlled pressure
• remain precise
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Focus
• do not push into soft spaces
• stay on the muscle
• allow tissue to respond
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What to Feel For
• softening of the muscle
• reduced tension
• improved relaxation
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Standard
• accurate location
• safe pressure
• recognition of release
Step 10
Treatment Recording
​In this step you will record yourself performing the psoas major release technique, so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
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You will need:
• a massage table or treatment surface
• a practice subject
• a tripod or stable support for your phone or camera
• good lighting so your hand placement is clearly visible
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Position the camera so that the following are clearly visible in the video:
• your hand placement on the client
• your body mechanics and posture
• the direction of pressure you apply
• the client’s anterior abdomen, hip and thigh region
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Record yourself performing the psoas major release technique so your form and body mechanics can be evaluated.
☑ correct finger placement
☑ practitioner body mechanics
☑ the Yang engagement phase
☑ the Yin release phase
The video should show the full treatment sequence from initial contact to muscle release.
Upload your video for instructor review.
Your instructor will confirm that the technique is performed safely, accurately, and according to the Releasology method.
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Step 11
Client Testimonial
Ask your practice subject to rate their symptoms before and after the treatment using a 0–10 scale.
Record a brief testimonial video including::
☑ symptom description
☑ before score (0 - 10)
☑ after score (0 - 10)
☑ changes they experienced
Upload the testimonial video.
Documenting real clinical outcomes is an essential part of Releasology training.
Step 12
Knowledge Check & Module Completion
Complete the following quiz to confirm your understanding of the Psoas Major Release technique and the key concepts in this module.
A score of 80% or higher is required to pass this module.
1. Which muscle is the root cause in this modality?
A. Quadratus lumborum
B. Psoas major
C. Rectus femoris
D. Gluteus maximus
2. What is a primary effect of psoas spasm?
A. Improved posture
B. Increased flexibility.
C. Anterior pull on the lumbar spine causing low back pain
D. Stronger hips
3. How does this relate to fertility in Releasology?
A. Hormonal only
B. Mechanical compression of genitofemoral nerve
C. Circulation only
D. Skin tension
4. Why does stretching fail here?
A. Too aggressive
B. Increases strength.
C. Does not release the underlying psoas major spasm pattern
D. Improves circulation
5. What indicates successful release?
A. Skin tightening around the inguinal canal
B. Instant relief of low back pain, next morning menstruation- commonly
C. Muscle fatigue of diaphragm
D. Less tingling in the toes