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 Lower Back 

Injury Prevention & Rehabilitation

There is a large and complex group of muscles that work together to support the spine, help hold the body upright and allow the trunk of the body to move, twist and bend in many directions..

#1 Piriformis

Piriformis

Piriformis

Piriformis
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Piriformis Restorative Stretch
00:42
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Piriformis Restorative Stretch

Piriformis Info
00:27
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Piriformis Info

Piriformis Seated Stretch
00:23
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Piriformis Seated Stretch

Piriformis Seated Stretch Floor
00:35
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Piriformis Seated Stretch Floor

The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock, behind the gluteus maximus. It runs diagonally from the lower spine to the upper surface of the femur, with the sciatic nerve running underneath or through the muscle. The piriformis muscle helps the hip rotate, turning the leg and foot outward.

#2 Psoas

Psoas

Psoas

Psoas
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Psoas Info
00:42
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Psoas Info

Psoas Restorative Stretch
01:18
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Psoas Restorative Stretch

Psoas Active Stretch
01:23
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Psoas Active Stretch

Structurally, your psoas muscles are the deepest muscles in your core.  They attach from your 12th thoracic vertebrae to your 5 lumbar vertebrae, through your pelvis and then finally attach to your femurs. In fact, they are the only muscles that connect your spine to your legs. 

Your psoas muscles allow you to bend your hips and legs towards your chest,  help to move your leg forward when you walk or run, and flex your trunk forward when you bend over to pick up something from the floor. They also stabilize your trunk and spine during movement and sitting as well as support your internal organs and work like hydraulic pumps allowing blood and lymph to be pushed in and out of your cells.

Self Massage

Techniques

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Stretch

Variations

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In relation to your yoga practice, the piriformis is responsible for the following movements. External rotation of the hip and leg, as well as abduction when the hip is flexed. This takes place in Bound Angle pose commonly known as Butterfly, Extended Hand-to-Big-Toe pose (standing or reclining), and Warrior 2.

Pigeon Pose, also known as Figure 4 is a beautiful stretch to release the piriformis.

There are many variations you can try to find the one that fits your needs. 

If you have any questions regarding these variations, please be sure to reach out to Stacy with YOGA UNLIMITED and she would be happy to schedule a private self-care session with you!

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