What is Iliopsoas Strain / Tendinopathy?
The iliopsoas is a deep hip flexor muscle that helps lift the leg and stabilise the pelvis. Strain or tendinopathy occurs when the muscle or tendon becomes
overloaded, irritated, or partially torn, often due to repetitive use or sudden movements.
Symptoms & What You May Experience
- Pain in the front of the hip or groin
- Discomfort when lifting the knee (stairs, getting into a car)
- Tightness or clicking in the hip flexor area
- Pain when running, kicking, or sprinting
- Lower back or pelvic referral pain
- Stiffness after sitting or lying down
What causes Iliopsoas Strain / Tendinopathy?
Triggers may include:
- Repetitive hip flexion (running, cycling, martial arts)
- Weak glutes or core leading to compensation
- Poor pelvic or lumbar posture
- Sudden increase in training
- Prolonged sitting or tight hip flexors
- Previous hip, pelvic, or lumbar injury
How We Help (At Victoria Park Osteopaths)
Treatment aims to reduce irritation and restore healthy movement:
- Manual therapy to release tension in hip flexors, pelvis, and lower back
- Mobilisation of lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, and hip
- Strengthening of glutes and core for better pelvic control
- Mobility and loading programmes for the area surrounding the iliopsoas
- Postural and activity advice
- Gait/biomechanics assessment
Recovery Time & What to Expect
- Mild strains: 2–6 weeks
- Tendinopathy: 6–12+ weeks with rehab
- Chronic cases require load management and strengthening
When to Seek Medical Review / Red Flags
- Severe pain that limits walking
- Sudden onset after a “pop” or trauma
- Persistent groin or hip pain unresponsive to treatment
- Suspected labral tear or hip joint involvement
