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psoas

psoas

1 9.9
One of two large muscles in the lower belly that lifts the knee and turns the leg
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊ.æs/
  • Specialized
: psoas
  • The psoas muscle plays a key role in lifting your knees toward your chest.

Examples

  • The psoas muscle is crucial for hip flexion.

  • Tightness in the psoas can cause lower back pain in athletes.

  • Surgeons must be careful not to damage the psoas during abdominal procedures.

  • Many athletes strengthen their psoas for better performance.

  • The psoas muscle helps stabilize the spine during movement.

  • Athletes often perform exercises to strengthen their psoas for better athletic performance.

  • In yoga, the psoas is frequently targeted in poses designed to enhance flexibility.

Synonyms

iliopsoas
vspsoas
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A large muscle at the front of the hip that lifts the thigh toward the body

flexes the trunk and rotates the thigh instead of focusing on lifting the thigh

Surface Forms

psoas singular
psoae plural

Etymology

Psoas comes from a Greek word psoa that means 'loin', the lower belly or hip area. So the psoas is literally the muscle of the loin and it helps lift your knee and bend your body forward, which is why a tight psoas can cause lower back pain.