How To Stretch Psoas While Sleeping – Is It Possible?
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So you’ve been told that your psoas muscle is tight and it needs to be stretched.
Certainly this is easy enough to do with proper psoas stretching techniques during the daytime, but is it possible to do at night while sleeping?
Sure, but it may not be a good idea. Let’s dive into this a bit more.
Is it possible to stretch the psoas while sleeping?
The psoas muscle is a hip flexor, so stretching it means placing it into its lengthened position, which is in extension.
The best example of this is the Thomas Test:
As you can see the upper thigh needs to move into extension, which is moving in the direction behind you. This is not the only thing you have to pay attention to. The lower spine needs to be in a stable position, which is either a neutral curvature, OR flat on the table in order to allow for a full psoas muscle stretch.
Now, imagine yourself having to be in this type of position in bed. Sure its possible to maintain this position while awake, but at night?
No way.
And even if you figured out a way to rig this setup so that you could fall asleep in it, your leg would very likely fall asleep in that position. It would be very uncomfortable.
What works better?
The better option is to sleep in a comfortable position which allows the greatest relief in order to get a good nights sleep, and address chronic psoas tension issues in the daytime!
Sam Visnic
I’ve spent my life studying the fundamental aspects of human health with a focus on movement and clinical massage therapy. In a world of specialists, surgical procedures, drugs and quick fix remedies, I’m committed to finding and developing strategies that help people stuck at the “gap”. Over the last 20 years I’ve studied dozens of systems and methodologies for uncovering the root cause of aches and pains, along with postural and movement issues. Pain science, the art and science of hands-on soft tissue massage techniques, myofascial release, and coaching movement is essential in my practice. Integrating different methods but above all deciphering WHEN to use different techniques with different people and situations, along with integration of movements that people want to be able to do again is the key to long term success with my incredible track record with clients. Understanding the various elements that contribute to conditions and the power of communication and education makes my Release Muscle Therapy program separate from other hands-on therapy approaches.
