Iliopsoas Strain in Dogs: A Common Sport Dog Injury

What Is the Iliopsoas Muscle in Dogs?

The iliopsoas is a deep hip flexor muscle made up of the psoas major and iliacus, running from the lumbar spine and pelvis to the femur. Its primary role is hip flexion and spinal stabilization, making it critical for powerful, athletic movement.

In sport dogs, the iliopsoas is heavily recruited during:

• Acceleration and deceleration

• Tight turns and directional changes

• Jump takeoffs and landings

• High drive obedience and protection work

  
  

Because of its depth and function, iliopsoas injuries can be difficult to detect early, yet incredibly impactful when left untreated.

Why Iliopsoas Strains Are Common in Agility and IGP Dogs

Iliopsoas strains are especially common in agility and IGP dogs due to the demands of these sports.

Agility dogs frequently experience:

• Repetitive tight turns

• One-sided loading patterns

• High-speed obstacle sequences

• Slips on turf or mats

  
  

IGP dogs place strain on the iliopsoas during:

• Explosive send-outs

• Improper heeling

• Protection work

• Repetitive high-drive training sessions

• Jump/A-wall

  
  

Over time, repetitive stress, poor warm-ups, muscle imbalances, or fatigue can lead to microtears, inflammation, and eventually a full iliopsoas strain.

Signs Your Dog May Have an Iliopsoas Strain

One of the biggest challenges with iliopsoas injuries is that they rarely present as a dramatic limp early on.

Common signs include:

• Subtle or intermittent hind-end lameness

• Difficulty sitting square

• Bunny hopping at speed

• Decreased jump height or refusal to jump

• Shortened stride in the rear

• Sensitivity when the hip is extended

• Performance changes without a clear cause

  
  

Many handlers assume these signs are “training issues” or normal fatigue which is why early detection is critical.

How Dog Massage Helps Detect Iliopsoas Issues Early

Professional dog massage and bodywork is one of the most effective ways to identify iliopsoas strain before it becomes a serious injury.

During a session, a trained dog massage therapist can detect:

• Protective tension patterns

• Asymmetry between left and right sides

• Changes in muscle tone

• Referred pain responses

• Compensations in surrounding muscles

  
  

Because the iliopsoas is a deep muscle, it’s often missed during routine handling or grooming, but its dysfunction shows up through surrounding tissue and movement patterns that experienced bodyworkers are trained to recognize.

Early detection allows for:

• Prompt veterinary referral if needed

• Immediate activity modification

• Faster recovery timelines

Can Dog Massage Accelerate Healing from an Iliopsoas Strain?

Yes! Dog massage plays a key role in the rehabilitation and recovery process when used alongside veterinary guidance.

Dog massage can help by:

• Increasing circulation to injured tissues

• Reducing muscle guarding and spasms

• Supporting proper scar tissue formation

• Improving comfort during rest periods

• Helping prevent compensatory injuries

  
  

When appropriate, massage is often combined with:

• Laser therapy

• Controlled stretching

• Strength and conditioning exercises

• Gradual return-to-work plans

Unless your dog has a contraindication, massage therapy is beneficial for all dogs, especially those recovering from sport-related injuries.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Iliopsoas injuries are known for long recovery timelines when they become chronic. What begins as mild tightness can turn into months of rest if ignored.

Early bodywork and proper management can:

• Reduce downtime

• Prevent secondary injuries

• Maintain overall muscle health

• Support long-term performance and soundness

  
  

For competitive sport dogs, early intervention can make the difference between missing a few weeks of training and missing an entire season.

Professional Dog Massage for Sport Dogs in Edmonton

If you’re located in Edmonton or the surrounding area and participate in dog sports like agility, IGP, dock diving, flyball, or obedience, professional dog massage can be a valuable part of your dog’s care team.

At K9 Muscleworks, I specialize in:

• Sport dog massage and bodywork

• Injury prevention and maintenance

• Rehabilitation support

• Performance-focused care

  
  

Sessions are tailored to the dog in front of me, whether your dog is actively competing, returning from injury, or needing proactive maintenance.

To book a dog massage session in Edmonton or surrounding areas, visit my website to contact K9 Muscleworks directly and schedule an appointment.

www.k9muscleworks.com