Iliopsoas Injuries
What is an iliopsoas injury?
Iliopsoas injuries in dogs refer to the strain or damage that occurs to the iliopsoas muscle, a group of muscles located in the hip region. The iliopsoas muscle plays a significant role in hip flexion, allowing the dog to move its legs forward during activities like walking, running, and jumping. These injuries commonly happen due to sudden, forceful movements into hip extension or overuse of the muscle, leading to strains or tears. Certain factors can contribute to the occurrence of iliopsoas injuries, including excessive exercise, especially in unconditioned dogs, abrupt changes in physical activity, or slipping and falling on slippery surfaces. Additionally, certain breeds and individual dogs with a predisposition to muscle weakness or those engaging in high-impact sports or agility activities may be more prone to iliopsoas injuries. The condition often manifests as lameness, difficulty rising, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and pain in the hip area.
How do we treat iliopsoas injuries?
The treatment of iliopsoas injuries in dogs typically involves a comprehensive and progressive approach to promote healing and restore function in the affected muscle. Initially, the dog will require a period of rest to allow the injured iliopsoas muscle to heal. Modalities such as laser can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain during this phase. Once the acute phase has passed, gentle massage and stretching techniques can be employed to improve blood flow to the area, aid in tissue repair, and enhance flexibility.
As the dog's condition improves, a gradual rehabilitation program is essential. This program may include progressive loading exercises, starting with isometric exercises that involve static muscle contractions without joint movement. As the dog gains strength and stability, exercises can progress to eccentric movements, which involve controlled lengthening of the muscle while resisting forces. This helps promote tissue remodeling and functional recovery.
In some cases, injections, such as platelet rick plasma, may be considered to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area, facilitating the rehabilitation process.
Throughout the treatment, close monitoring by a rehab professional is vital to assess the dog's progress and adjust the rehabilitation program accordingly. It is essential to avoid rushing the recovery process, as excessive or premature activity could lead to setbacks or reinjury. With proper care, time, and a tailored rehabilitation plan, many dogs with iliopsoas injuries can experience significant improvement and return to their normal activities with reduced pain and improved mobility.