The muscles in front of the hip joint are known as the flexors. The movement of bringing the thigh closer to the trunk is known as hip flexion or hip bowing.
The iliopsoas consists of the iliacus and the psoas major; the rectus femoris, sartorius, and tensor fasciae latae are all essential hip flexor muscles.
In addition to walking, sprinting, kicking, and bending at the waist, the hip flexors are utilized in a variety of other movements. Together with other muscles and muscle groups, they maintain the stability, equilibrium, and mobility of the hips and pelvis.
Hip flexor muscle tightness or stiffness can result from protracted sitting, a sedentary lifestyle, or jobs requiring repetitive hip flexion. This could result in reduced mobility, poor posture, and possibly even back pain.
Hip flexor flexibility, posture, and injury prevention can all be improved through stretching and strengthening. The health and functionality of the hip flexors depend on a regular stretching and strengthening exercise regimen.
The hip flexors are a group of muscles that work together to flex the hip. Let's examine the hip flexors and see how they function:
- The iliopsoas is formed by the union of the iliacus and psoas major muscles. Unlike the psoas major, which originates from the lumbar vertebrae, the iliacus originates from the concave iliac fossa of the hip bone. Collectively, the two muscles insert onto the lesser trochanter of the femur. The iliopsoas is one of the main muscles that flex the hips.
- The rectus femoris is an anterior thigh muscle that is part of the quadriceps. The AIIS is a bony outgrowth at the point where the ilium and femur intersect on the front of the hip bone. The rectus femoris is a multifunctional muscle that flexes the hip and extends the knee.
- Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS) in the hip region, the sartorius muscle inserts on the shinbone (insertion point) after running medially along the front of the leg. In addition to flexing the knee, the sartorius muscle also aids in hip rotation and rotary flexion.
The tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a small muscle located on the outer thigh. It originates at the bony prominence above the hip bone known as the iliac crest and inserts at the iliotibial (IT) band. The TFL facilitates hip flexion and supports knee and hip stability.
Together, these muscle groups perform the movement known as hip flexion, in which the thigh is brought closer to the trunk. They are walking, sprinting, ascending stairs, and kicking around. Supporting healthy posture, mobility, and hip function depends on a set of hip flexors that are both flexible and strong.