A growing body of research has drawn attention to a little-known yet crucial muscle deep within the human body—the psoas. Often overshadowed by more well-known muscles, the psoas is now being recognized by medical professionals and physical therapists as instrumental to core stability, movement, and even mental well-being, according to recent coverage by Literary Hub. Understanding its role may change long-standing approaches to rehabilitation, exercise, and health maintenance, with potential benefits for millions, including those in Thailand where sedentary lifestyles and chronic back pain are increasingly common.
Nestled deep in the abdomen, the psoas muscle connects the spine to the femur, weaving through the pelvis. This vital muscle is responsible for basic movements such as walking, standing, and sitting, and serves as a shock absorber for the spine. Despite its central role, the psoas remains largely invisible to most, earning its title as the “most important muscle you don’t even know you have.” Specialists explain that weakening and tightening of this muscle—often a result of prolonged sitting or lack of movement—can cause back pain, postural issues, and even digestive problems. A physical therapist from a major Bangkok hospital emphasized, “The psoas is our primary hip flexor and stabilizer. When it becomes short and tight, it can cause pain not only in the lower back, but throughout the body.”
Recent studies expand our understanding of the psoas beyond simple anatomical function. According to new research summarized on PubMed, imbalances and dysfunction of the psoas are implicated in common musculoskeletal complaints. Further, ongoing investigation suggests the psoas may play a part in the body’s stress response, linking tightness to anxiety and tension via the “mind-body” connection. As a member of the body’s “fight or flight” system, the psoas can store emotional stress; Thai holistic practitioners have long incorporated gentle stretching, yoga, and massage to help release tension, aligning modern science with traditional wellness practices.
For Thailand, where office work and urban lifestyles lead to more sitting and less physical activity, awareness of the psoas’ importance is particularly relevant. Public health surveys by the Ministry of Public Health highlight that nearly one third of urban Thai adults experience recurring back pain, a problem that has grown as desk jobs have proliferated in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other major cities (Ministry of Public Health Thailand). Local physiotherapists are starting to adopt international best practices that emphasize core strength and flexibility exercises targeting this muscle. In a recent seminar at a leading Thai medical university, a rehabilitation specialist noted, “Educating patients about the psoas has transformed our approach to chronic pain and injury prevention.”
The renewed focus on the psoas also draws on traditional Thai culture. Thai massage, practiced for centuries, includes techniques that gently stretch and stimulate the hip flexors, which modern therapists now identify as psoas release. In a nod to both modern science and ancient wisdom, yoga studios and wellness centers across Bangkok are weaving psoas-focused stretches into their group classes, recognizing the muscle’s critical influence on both physical and emotional health.
Looking ahead, experts predict further integration of psoas health into Thailand’s health and wellness landscape. There are calls for routine screening of muscle flexibility and educational campaigns, especially in schools and workplaces. Medical university researchers plan to study the impact of targeted psoas exercises on lower back pain in Thai office workers, aiming to develop evidence-backed guidelines for prevention and self-care. As knowledge about this “hidden” muscle grows, so does the potential for empowering individuals to take charge of their own spinal health.
For Thai readers looking to protect and strengthen their psoas muscle, simple steps can yield dramatic benefits. Experts recommend incorporating regular stretching and movement breaks into the workday, trying gentle yoga poses such as the “lunge” or “bridge,” and seeking guidance from qualified physical therapists when pain or tightness occurs. As the saying goes, knowledge is power—so understanding this vital muscle could help many Thais lead healthier, more pain-free lives.
Sources:
Literary Hub: “It’s the Most Important Muscle in Your Body and You Don’t Even Know What It’s Called”
PubMed: Psoas muscle function and injury research
Thailand Ministry of Public Health