Introduction

Osteoarthritis of the hip often results from joint deformation and cartilage wear, leading to pain and restricted mobility. However, these symptoms are not caused by the joint alone—tightness in surrounding muscles and fascia plays a significant role.

Among these, the psoas minor is a small but crucial deep muscle that influences posture, blood flow, and nerve function. In this article, we will explain its anatomy, its connection with major blood vessels and nerves, and how to stretch it effectively.

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1. Anatomical Characteristics of the Psoas Minor

The psoas minor runs alongside the psoas major, attaching from the lumbar spine to the iliopubic eminence. It is a slender muscle, and in some people, it is absent due to evolutionary regression.

When present, it stabilizes the lumbar spine and pelvis. Unlike the psoas major, which primarily flexes the hip, the psoas minor supports posture and deep core stability. Tightness or shortening of this muscle reduces mobility between the lumbar spine and pelvis, increasing stress on the hip joint.

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2. Fascial Connections Between the Psoas Minor, Femoral Artery, Vein, and Nerve

The psoas minor is not an isolated deep muscle—it has strong fascial links to nearby blood vessels and nerves:

• The femoral sheath, formed by extensions of the iliopsoas fascia and transversalis fascia, encloses the femoral artery and femoral vein.
• The femoral nerve lies just lateral to these vessels, closely related to the iliopsoas group.
• The psoas minor tendon connects to the iliopubic eminence and is continuous with these fascial structures. When tight, it can create tension on the sheath and indirectly affect blood vessels and nerves.

Consequently, psoas minor tightness may cause:

✔ Circulatory issues → Coldness or swelling in the leg

✔ Nerve compression → Numbness, weakness, or paralysis-like symptoms

✔ Restricted movement → Discomfort or fatigue while walking

For effective hip osteoarthritis care, it is essential to release these vascular and neural fascial restrictions in addition to joint treatment.

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3. Stretching the Psoas Minor (Half-Kneeling Lunge)

To stretch the psoas minor effectively, a half-kneeling lunge targeting the iliopsoas group works best.

How to do it:

1. Kneel on one knee with the other foot in front, bent at 90 degrees.
2. Shift your pelvis forward, keeping your back straight without arching excessively.
3. Hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
4. Repeat 2–3 sets on each side.

Tips:

• Avoid overarching your lower back—keep your spine neutral.
• Exhale slowly while stretching to target the deep psoas minor effectively.

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In Conclusion

Hip osteoarthritis is often thought of as a joint problem alone, but in reality, muscles, fascia, nerves, and blood vessels are all interconnected. The psoas minor, though small and often overlooked, plays a critical role in this network. Releasing tension in this muscle can improve posture, walking ability, and overall comfort.

If you struggle with hip discomfort, consider incorporating this stretch and seeking professional treatment to address deep muscle restrictions.

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#Kyoto #KyotoOsteopathyCenter #Osteopathy #Chiropractic #Pain #Numbness #Paralysis #Posture #Walking #HipOsteoarthritis #HipCare #Stretch

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