Positional Release for a Short Iliopsoas: Simple Thumb Test and a Two-Minute Reset
Overview

A quick screening and a short positional release can change how a tight or shortened iliopsoas behaves. The approach is simple, reproducible, and effective: use a thumb-length test to identify the side that needs work, then place the muscle in a shortened position from both ends and hold for about two minutes. That brief hold calms the muscle spindles, reduces the stretch reflex, and often produces immediate improvement before deeper work.

How to Screen: the Thumb-Length Test

This is an accessible test you can use in clinic. Ask the client to bring both arms overhead and place the hands in a prayer position. Check that the heels of the hands sit on the same plane, then apply a gentle, not forceful, upward pull to give a light traction through the neck and torso.
Observe the thumbs. One thumb will often appear shorter. That apparent shortening commonly corresponds to a shortened iliopsoas on...

Recently, one of my students asked me to write about working with the piriformis. She had several clients experiencing piriformis syndrome and was getting frustrated with inconsistent results.

Piriformis syndrome—sometimes called piriformis dysfunction—goes by many names and is often misunderstood. I want to bring more clarity to this topic and share a broader, more effective way of looking at it.

If you’ve ever experienced it yourself, or if you treat clients with piriformis syndrome or sciatica, you know how intense it can be. It’s deeply painful and often creates wide-ranging referred pain. That’s why understanding this muscle in isolation isn’t enough—we need to see the full ecosystem.

Let’s start with the role of the piriformis then we’ll go around the corner to the psoas:

Piriformis acts as an external rotator of the hip and, in certain positions, becomes an internal rotator. It is extremely sensitive to anything happening around the sacroiliac (SI) joint because it attaches ...