Strengthening the hip flexors can help decrease pain in this region of the body and in the lower back. However, when is it advisable to do so? How do you have to work them? First, we must know what these muscles are and where they are.
The hip flexors are the muscles that bring the knee closer to the chest. The most important are the quadriceps and iliopsoas, and they are located in the front of the hip and thigh. Other muscles also help to flex the hip, although it is not their main function, as is the case with some hip adductors and abductors.
Why strengthen the hip flexors?
Strengthening the hip flexors helps to work other muscles, which together improves the health of the lumbar spine, hip and knee. If you still do not include this type of exercise in your routine, we invite you to discover its benefits:
Decreases the likelihood of injury in runners, athletes, and active people. Hip flexor and abductor weakness has been shown to increase the risk of injury, according to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science .
To prevent the appearance of back or hip discomfort. Working seated all day tends to weaken the hip flexors, since we don’t use them in that position. This increases the likelihood of long-term lower back and hip pain.
As a treatment for back, hip and knee pain. In people with pain in these joints, strengthening the hip flexors can reduce symptoms and promote treatment, according to a 2016 study.
In some people, stretching these muscles is a temporary solution to a bigger issue; The problem behind muscle tension and lack of flexibility is muscle weakness.
If your goal is to decrease pain, try both hip flexor stretching and strengthening. The most advisable thing is that you consult with a doctor or physiotherapist; The professional will know what exercises to indicate according to your situation.
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