A deep-seated muscle known as the psoas may hold the key to less back pain, better mobility, and higher athletic performance for people of all ages in Thailand. Often called the most important muscle you don’t know you have, the psoas runs from the lower spine through the pelvis to the thigh and sits at the heart of posture and movement.
The psoas is unique because it links the upper and lower body. Healthy, strong psoas function supports posture, walking, and daily activities—from stepping onto a tuk-tuk to kneeling in temple rituals. Its influence extends to core stability and even the nervous system, underscoring its foundational role in overall health.
Global health data underscore the significance. The World Health Organization reports that lower back pain affects hundreds of millions worldwide, making it a leading cause of disability. Studies show chronic back pain often coincides with weaker hip muscles, including the psoas, highlighting its central role in musculoskeletal well-being. Imaging research further confirms the psoas’s substantial volume and reach within the body.
Thai readers have clear reasons to pay attention. Sedentary lifestyles, long commutes in Bangkok and desk-heavy classrooms contribute to hip stiffness and psoas weakness. Medical professionals note a direct link between psoas dysfunction and back and spinal issues, with implications for recovery from orthopedic procedures as well.
The psoas works closely with the iliacus to form the iliopsoas group, the main driver of hip flexion—the action that lifts the knee toward the chest. This movement is essential for everyday tasks and for maintaining balance during activities such as temple visits, street travel, and sports. The psoas attaches to the lumbar spine, linking hip movement with core stability and the lumbar plexus.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and beyond are discovering the benefits of targeted psoas work. Reputable clinics and performance programs emphasize strengthening and releasing the psoas to improve hip mobility and prevent injuries. Modern training approaches combine traditional therapy with sports science and myofascial release techniques. For runners, evidence suggests that adding hip flexor work focused on the psoas can improve speed and resilience.
Debate continues on the best care strategies. While some caution against aggressive stretching, others promote self-myofascial release using simple tools. Across Thailand’s growing network of physiotherapy clinics and fitness studios, experts generally agree that a balanced approach—strengthening, mobility work, and appropriate release techniques—leads to better movement and less pain.
For self-care, Thai readers can perform a simple at-home assessment: stand on one leg and lift the other knee as high as possible, using the psoas as the primary guide. If the thigh fails to rise near parallel to the floor, the psoas may be tight or weak. This is increasingly common among office workers and students in a culture that encourages sustained sitting.
Emerging research supports prioritizing psoas health. A 2025 PubMed review links paraspinal and psoas dysfunction with degenerative spine conditions and chronic back pain, while another study shows that targeted lumbar work can restore function and reduce disability. Physical therapists around the world now incorporate psoas-focused strategies into back-pain rehabilitation, advocating a blend of strengthening, mobility, and release when appropriate.
Thai culture’s appreciation for traditional health wisdom complements these findings. Thai massage and other traditional therapies often address the hip and lower back—areas housing the psoas. Practitioners suggest that many back complaints stem from deep-seated hip and pelvic muscle dysfunctions, aligning modern science with traditional practice.
Looking ahead, Thailand’s urbanization and aging population mean back pain will remain a public health priority. The global spotlight on the psoas provides new tools for prevention and care. Wearable tech and tele-rehabilitation can help people in cities and rural areas monitor and improve core muscle health. Universities and hospitals are likely to expand psoas-focused research and programs.
To reap the benefits, Thais should weave more dynamic movement into daily life. Take break breaks from sitting, practice standing knee lifts, seek professional assessment if pain persists, and explore reputable Thai massage or physiotherapy that understands psoas anatomy. Fitness teachers and school programs should incorporate hip-flexor and core-stability work to combat rising musculoskeletal issues among youth.
In summary, the psoas may be hidden beneath the surface, but its impact runs deep—shaping posture, athletic ability, and daily comfort. For Thailand, as for the world, caring for this overlooked muscle could usher in a new era of vitality, mobility, and pain-free movement.
Notes on sources: Expert insights and research are integrated from professionals and institutions in international and Thai health contexts, including reviews and studies on back pain, hip function, and core stability.