Slowly, but surely, the importance of the iliacus muscle is making its way out into the world.

When the iliacus becomes tight and holds tension, this lesser-known hip flexor muscle can cause misalignment of your hips and pelvis, ultimately leading to aches and pains developing in your lower back, hips, knees, and more.

Dr. Kelly Starrett from The Ready State agrees, and considers the iliacus to be a part of what he refers to as “The Four Horsemen of the Spine” along with the rectus femoris, the psoas, and the quadratus lumborum. Keeping these muscles happy and healthy can make a big difference in the way that your body moves and feels day after day.

In that article, Dr. Starrett acknowledges that the iliacus muscle is one of the most challenging muscles to reach due to its location deeper within the pelvic bowl, and he recommends using the Hip Hook as an awesome mobility tool for people to try to access and mobilize this area.

The Hip Hook also appeared as part of the TRS Holiday Gift Guide along with some other great products recommended by Dr. Starrett.