Did you know, the psoas major (there are two of them, one on each side of your spine and pelvis) are the only muscles that connect your spine to your legs? These important muscles play a major role in your posture, nervous system, and even how your baby cascades into your pelvis.
In this episode of Yoga | Birth | Babies, we take a deep dive into talking about one of my favorite muscles the psoas, with licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist, Libby Hinsley. We explore how the psoas affects the ever changing pregnant spine as well as how it can influence fetal positioning. Libby also offers some important insight about the needs of the muscles, do you stretch or release them? For the curious student and yoga teacher, this conversation will be enlightening!
In this episode:
- Learn a bit about Libby and her journey as a yoga teacher, physical therapist, and mother.
- The psoas: What is it? Where is it?
- Why is the psoas chronically tight?
- The psoas, more than just a “hip flexor”!
- The psoas’s role in stabilizing the spine.
- The relationship between the psoas, the nervous system, and the diaphragm.
- How the psoas is affected during pregnancy.
- How a tight psoas can affect the pelvis and pelvic floor.
- How the psoas can affect birth and fetal positioning.
- Ways to release the psoas for the pregnant person.
- The psoas and the postpartum body.
- One tip/piece of advice Libby has for new and expectant parents.
- Where to find Libby’s work!
About Libby Hinsley, PT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500
Libby is a licensed Physical Therapist and Certified Yoga Therapist. She has enjoyed teaching yoga for 15 years, training yoga teachers for 10 years, and practicing Physical Therapy for 8 years. She loves how this combination allows her to blend biomechanics with a commitment to the inner experience of yoga.
She draws most of her Yoga inspiration from the tradition of Desikachar, or the viniyoga lineage. She was fortunate to study at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in 2008 and has immersed herself in this tradition ever since. Libby’s introduction to this slow, breath-centric approach to asana practice was a turning point for her. After experiencing many years of chronic injury and pain related to her yoga practice, she had found a way to practice that supported my body, mind, and spirit. It was life-changing.
Her interest in healing and therapeutic yoga led her to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy which she completed in 2011. She now has a private PT practice where she integrates Yoga and Manual Therapy. She specializes in the treatment of injured yogis, hypermobility spectrum disorders, low back/sacrum/hip issues, and chronic pain. In addition to her work with individuals, she offers advanced studies teacher trainings in Yoga for Chronic Pain, Yoga for Older Adults, Yoga for Back Care, Anatomy for Yoga Teachers, Yoga for Pregnancy and Postpartum, and Yoga for Bendy People. www.libbyhinsley.com
IG: @libbyhinsleypt
Facebook: Libby Hinsley, PT, C-IAYT
Resources:
- www.AnatomyBites.com/psoas (FREE downloadable for YBB listeners!)
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Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center
