AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practiotioner Practice

The technique used to assess the psoas/iliopsoas muscle involves flexing the hip. This muscle is primarily responsible for hip flexion and is an important component in movements such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. When assessing the psoas muscle, the practitioner will often ask the patient to flex their hip against resistance. This action engages the psoas/iliopsoas muscle, allowing the practitioner to evaluate its strength and any potential tenderness or pain that may indicate an underlying condition, such as psoas muscle strain or irritation.

Flexing the hip allows for the evaluation of the functional capacity of the psoas muscle, making it a direct assessment technique. Other movements, like measuring leg length or drawing the knee to the chest, do not specifically isolate the psoas/iliopsoas muscle in the same way. Pushing against a wall involves different muscle groups and assesses stability and strength rather than focusing on the hip flexors. Therefore, flexing the hip is the appropriate technique for assessing the condition and function of the psoas/iliopsoas muscle.