386 | Should I Use A Psoas Release Tool for my Tight Hip Flexors

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the topic of psoas release tools and hip flexor health. They express concerns about the safety and effectiveness of hard psoas release tools, highlighting potential risks to vital organs and nerves. Instead, they advocate for a holistic approach to addressing hip flexor tightness, emphasizing proper movement patterns, breathwork, and the use of gentler tools like the Coregeous Ball. The episode underscores the importance of understanding the root causes of tightness for long-term relief and improved body health. VivoBarefoot Discount: We cannot talk about back issues without talking about restrictions in feet and ankles. Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠! **Vivo offers a 100-Day trial period. If you are not completely satisfied, you can send the shoes back and get a refund. LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signaling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavors as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Free Tight Hip Flexor Guide Get a Coregeous Ball Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Get full show notes and resources here: https://jen.health/podcast/386 What you'll learn in this episode: 2:00 What are Psoas Releas Tools 5:07 Discussion on how pressure from tools affects muscle spindles and perceived muscle length. 7:28 Dom highlights potential harm from sustained pressure on vital organs and nerves. 10:04 Dom suggests safer methods like diaphragmatic breathing for psoas muscle relaxation. 13:22 Addressing Root Causes of Tightness 14:45 Jen introduces the Coregeous ball as a preferred tool for psoas release. 16:24 Discusses how addressing the front of the body can relieve low back tension. 17:21 Emphasizes the need to address the entire abdominal area, not just the psoas muscle.