Muscle Breakdown: Iliacus
Table of Contents
What Is the Iliacus
The Iliacus is located in the Iliac Fossa and is shaped to fit this bone. It is flat, and combines with the Psoas Major to form the Iliopsoas.
Iliacus Muscle & Cadaver
Iliacus Function
The Iliacus is involved in many different functions. This includes,
Flexion of the Femur at the hip
External rotation of the Femur
Flexion of the Trunk
Maintains posture
Iliacus Origin And Insertion
Iliacus Origin
The origin of Iliacus includes,
Upper two thirds of the Iliac Fossa
Internal lip of the Iliac Crest
Lateral aspect of the Sacrum
Iliacus Insertion
The insertion of the Iliacus is the Lesser Trochanter of the Femur.
Iliacus Action
The Iliacus is involved in many actions that you perform every day. Some of the actions that the Iliacus contributes too are,
Tying your shoes
Bending over to pick up objects
Walking
Sitting up from the bed
Iliacus Innervation
The Iliacus is innervated by the Femoral Nerve.
The Iliopsoas is innervated by the Lumbar Plexus.
Iliacus Pain
Many people who sit down for the majority of the day often experience pain in the Iliacus. This is because the Iliacus has shortened from overuse. If one side of the Iliacus becomes shorter than the other, this can lead to gait problems. Asymmetry of the Iliacus can lead to hip, knee and low back pain from the disrupted gait pattern.
Symptoms of pain in the Iliacus include muscle stiffness, decreased range of motion and tenderness in the hip and low back region. Generally, Iliacus pain can be relieved with daily stretching and strengthening exercises.
Iliacus Tendinitis
The Psoas Major and the Iliacus muscle come together to form the Iliopsoas. The Iliopsoas can experience tendonitis and bursitis. Both of these conditions arise from inflammation and/or overuse of the muscle. When the Iliopsoas tendon gets inflamed, a condition called snapping hip can occur. This is when you can hear a click in the hip when you perform certain movements such as flexion and extension.
In mild cases of Iliacus tendonitis, modifying your daily activities or a cortisol injection can help to reduce symptoms. In severe cases where snapping hip is painful, you can have a surgery to remove the inflamed tissue.
If you suspect that you have Iliacus tendinitis or snapping hip, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible so they provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Iliacus Strain
A stain can occur to one of the muscles of the Iliopsoas from overstretching or a tear in the muscle. You can strain the Iliacus during activities such as running, soccer and hockey due to the increased demand on your hip flexors.
Symptoms of a muscle strain to the Iliacus include a stiff hip joint, swelling, pain, sudden pulling in the hip or groin region or tenderness. Treatment for a strain to the Iliacus includes rest and ice. It may take weeks for an Iliacus strain to heal. Physiotherapy and massage can also help in the recovery process. Performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the Iliacus will be imperative to prevent a future strain or tear to the muscle.
Iliacus Exercises
Exercises that target the Psoas Major and Psoas Minor will also engage the Iliacus. Some of these exercises include,
Boat Pose
Leg Raise (unilateral and bilateral)
Hanging leg raise
Supine banded hip flexion
Standing hip flexion
Iliacus Stretch
There are so many stretches that will target the Iliacus. Most of these stretches will also help to lengthen the Psoas Major and Psoas Minor. Some effective stretches for the Iliacus include,
