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Published on Mar 10, 2022 / # min read
The iliacus muscle, one of your hip flexors, is a crucial muscle for runners. If you have tight hips, do yourself a favor and give your iliacus some TLC.
The Hip Hook was featured by Runner's World as a tool to help runners relieve tightness and stiffness in the iliacus muscle. The iliacus (along with the psoas) is one of your main hip flexor muscles that is used constantly throughout the day, whether you're sitting or running. See the full feature in either of the below article links.
(Note: The video at the top of the Runner's World article is available to all, but the rest of the article is behind a paywall. If you subscribe to Apple News or Runner's World, you'll be able to read the full piece.)
When it comes to addressing tightness in the hip flexors or other injuries around the hip, many people think about the psoas muscle. Perhaps they aren't even aware of the iliacus muscle or its importance as a stabilizer of the hips and pelvis with every step and stride that you take. While stretches can help relieve some tightness in the iliacus, the muscle responds best to direct pressure (especially if your hips have felt tight for a long time). Applying pressure to the iliacus for 60-90 seconds at a time can help "release" the tightness and help you feel better as you go out for your next run.
Designed by Christine Koth, a holistic physical therapist, the Hip Hook is a muscle release tool designed to address your hip flexor muscles, specifically your psoas and iliacus. When tight, these muscles can contribute to pain experienced in the lower back, hips, and knees. Using the tool for just a few minutes per day can make a big difference in how your body feels. Learn more about the Hip Hook here.