Diagnosis | Iliopsoas Syndrome

Diagnosis

An initial diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of the characteristic symptoms.To further clarify possible other diseases (differential diagnoses), an x-ray of the lower spine and pelvis is usually performed. Blood tests with a focus on inflammation parameters and rheumatism serology, as well as an examination of the urine can also be performed. A further diagnosis can be made by neurological examination and an MRI, as well as a colonoscopy.

Possible other causes of a symptomatology reminiscent of the Iliopsoas Syndrome can be, for example, a blockage of the sacroiliac joint, a lumbar herniated disc or a compartment syndrome (incarceration of the femoral nerve). The latter, however, are in most cases accompanied by sensitivity disorders. From a simple iliopsoas tendinitis, the iliopsoas syndrome is due to the nature of the pain. While in tendinitis it builds up slowly over a long period of time, in iliopsoas syndrome it is sudden and stabbing.

Prognosis

The prognosis with a targeted therapy is quite good, depending on the extent of the disease, the muscle can be fully exercised again after about 6-8 weeks. During this time, however, it is essential to take a break in the usual training program. After the end of the treatment, however, it is highly recommended that regular preventive measures such as stretching exercises and targeted exercises to strengthen the M. iliopsoas be carried out. In recent years, it has been shown that the risk of suffering from iliopsoas syndrome increases with each additional episode of the disease.

Prevention

The occurrence of iliopsoas syndrome is often due to incorrect movement and overloading of the muscle. An intensive warm-up program before the actual sport, as well as extensive stretching before and after training, is the best way to avoid iliopsoas syndrome. Competitive athletes in particular should be careful to interrupt intensive training sessions by rest breaks and to include rest days in their training program.

In general, a more regular moderate exercise is clearly preferable to overexertion from a health point of view. As a soccer player, dancer or athlete, a targeted strengthening of the M. iliopsoas should also be considered. Examples are the exercises “Hollow Rocks” and “L-Sit”.