Treatment of iliopsoas syndrome with a hip rotation strengthening program: a retrospective case series.
METHODS
Retrospective case series.


OBJECTIVE
To review the effectiveness of a home-based rehabilitation program in the treatment of iliopsoas syndrome.


BACKGROUND
Conservative management strategies for iliopsoas bursitis (syndrome) have not been well documented in the literature. This study relates the outcome of an exercise program (hip rotation exercises and stretching) to address clinical deficiencies observed in iliopsoas syndrome.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review and phone follow-up were done to determine pain and activity limitation for 9 patients (mean age, 35.6 +/- 12.7 years; 8 women, 1 man) before and after application of the rehabilitation program. As a group, symptoms of iliopsoas syndrome were present for a mean of 12.6 (+/- 18.4) months prior to diagnosis and rehabilitation. Activity restrictions related to presenting symptoms were measured using a 4-point ordinal scale (from a score of 1 [pain and unable to do sport] to a score of 4 [pain-free, full activity]).


RESULTS
Pain and function improvement occurred in 7 of 9 (77%) patients. Five patients improved by at least 2 pain/activity levels at the time of follow-up (13.2 +/- 9.8 months following diagnosis); all but 2 patients were able to return to full activity.


CONCLUSIONS
This study gives preliminary evidence that a specific exercise regimen incorporating hip rotation might improve function and reduce pain for patients with iliopsoas syndrome.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002062:Bursitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006621:Hip Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012399:Rotation; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome